Thanks to a busy offseason that saw the Pittsburgh Steelers make a number of moves on the roster under GM Omar Khan and first-year head coach Mike McCarthy, the 91-man roster entering training camp looks pretty good top to bottom.
There are no glaring holes that need addressed, and depth is sound across the board.
Yet, for CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards, there is one position group that is the biggest remaining offseason priority for the Black and Gold, and it’s on defense.
Specifically, Edwards wants the Steelers to do more at safety.
“Safety and running back were the two positions that came to mind. Although, linebacker could use more from Patrick Queen this season. Pittsburgh has been comfortable with Jaylen Warren at running back for quite some time and Rico Dowdle has been serviceable, if not good, when given the opportunity,” Edwards writes of the Steelers’ final offseason priority. “Between those two and last year’s third-round pick Kaleb Johnson, the Steelers should be able to get enough out of the position.
“DeShon Elliott and Jaquan Brisker have found success at points in their respective careers, but there have also been some lean times. Which version will the Steelers see this season?”
The Steelers signed Jaquan Brisker in free agency to a one-year deal, and later added veteran Darnell Savage to the mix, bringing in experienced pieces to the safety room to pair with DeShon Elliott, who is working his way back from a season-ending leg injury.
Brisker appears to be a great addition and could outplay his one-year contract rather quickly, while Savage will have to fight to make the team over the likes of second-year pro and special teams piece Sebastian Castro, and rookie seventh-round pick Robert Spears-Jennings.
But when discussing the safety position, many forget about the presence of Jalen Ramsey. He can align all over the formation defensively and should see most of his work primarily at safety and in the slot. Including him in the safety discussion strengthens the group overall, taking away the need for more at the position.
It seems like Edwards might have forgotten that point with Ramsey.
Adding a veteran to the mix wouldn’t hurt though, especially one with experience both on defense and at special teams at this point, putting them in a competition with Savage, Spears-Jennings and Castro. Iron sharpens iron, and it could be good for the franchise if they were to add one more piece there ahead of training camp.
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