The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the most iconic franchises in NFL history. As the team begins to rebuild, they need to identify and draft players that can build on their legacy while making a splash with fans who have been longing for exciting football ever since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement. Here are five promising Steelers players worth watching this season as they battle for a spot on the roster..
The “Pittsburgh Steelers roster” is a list of the players that the Pittsburgh Steelers should watch. The 5 players are Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown, Le’Veon Bell, James Harrison and Maurkice Pouncey.
On both sides of the ball, the Pittsburgh Steelers have numerous urgent needs heading into the summer. The 2022 NFL Combine will be a great chance for the scouting department to get a closer look at some of the talents on the front office’s big list as they prepare for the next draft.
Mike Tomlin’s team clinched a postseason place with a 9-7 record, which was an encouraging indication. However, in order to take the next step in 2022, they must fill up certain gaps. Pittsburgh would be prudent to address all of its most pressing issues at some point during the draft. Kevin Colbert, who will leave after the draft, should focus on improving the offensive line, linebacking corps, and secondary.
During the NFL Combine, the Steelers should keep an eye on these five guys.
Carson Strong of Nevada throws a pass against Kansas State | Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images Darian Kinnard of Kentucky plays against North Carolina State | Don Juan Moore/Getty Images
Central Michigan OT Bernhard Raimann
For the Steelers in 2021, inconsistent offensive line performance was a major issue. Maurkice Pouncey, David DeCastro, and Alejandro Villanueva were all major players on the offensive line for the Steelers. As a consequence, the offensive had a lot of inexperience heading into the season.
The Steelers offense’s potential was limited by this unit. In the NFL Draft of 2022, the front management should prioritize fortifying the offensive line. Bernhard Raimann of Central Michigan is an interesting talent to keep an eye on during the NFL Combine. He is an Austrian tight end who began his collegiate career as a tight end.
Raimann, who stands 6-foot-7 and weighs 305 pounds, boasts all of the physical attributes necessary to compete in the NFL. He’s still a work in progress when it comes to basics. Pittsburgh, on the other hand, may be an excellent setting for him to perfect his abilities. For the 2021 season, Pro Football Focus assigned him a grade of 94.6, which isn’t terrible for a man who is still learning the position.
Nevada quarterback Carson Strong
Carson Strong’s A-game version seems to be on par with any other QB in this class.
Nevada signal caller routinely throws a great deep ball. pic.twitter.com/NKEw7fi5AD
— Brendan Sonnone (@BSonnone) February 28, 2022
Going into the 2022 summer, the Steelers have a major quarterback issue. They’re looking to replace Ben Roethlisberger, who left the organization after 18 seasons. According to reports, Mike Tomlin and the front staff are considering all alternatives, including examining prospects at the NFL Combine.
Scouts may be keeping an eye on Carson Strong. There isn’t a lot of agreement on this group of quarterbacks. The Nevada quarterback has unquestionably first-round arm talent. Over the last two seasons, he’s put up steady numbers. In 2021, Strong passed for 4,175 yards, 36 touchdowns, and eight picks.
However, some clubs are concerned about Strong’s medical background. He underwent knee surgery before to the season, and it’s unknown whether that would impede him in any way in the NFL. Strong, based on Pittsburgh’s quarterback room, would have an immediate opportunity to compete. He might be a terrific match for the Steelers if he passes his physical.
Wisconsin LB Leo Chenal
Since 2014, Power Five LBs have had the highest run defense grades.
1. Reuben Foster (’16): 94.9 2. Micah Parsons (’19): 94.8 3. Leo Chenal (’21): 94.1 pic.twitter.com/9zHWtDx5q9
— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) January 25, 2022
Joe Schobert, a veteran linebacker, might be a financial casualty for the Steelers this summer. Even if he was productive in 2021, the front office may want to replace him with someone younger (and less expensive). If that’s the case, Leo Chenal should be on Pittsburgh’s radar.
In 2021, the Wisconsin Badgers junior had a breakthrough season. He has 115 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks, and two forced fumbles throughout his career. Chenal isn’t glamorous, but he’s a competitor and physically strong. As a result, he’s a natural match for the Steelers’ defense.
Chenal, regardless of position, was one of the top run defenders in the nation as a junior. In 2021, the Steelers were the league’s weakest run defense, giving more than 146 running yards per game. Chenal’s skill set may be able to assist this unit in improving in 2022.
Kentucky OL Darian Kinnard
On the offensive line, the Pittsburgh Steelers can’t have enough assistance. They need to keep adding depth to that shaky position group. Darian Kinnard is another player that has blended with the team’s ethos throughout the years.
In 2021, Kinnard was one of the best run stoppers in the nation. In college, the Kentucky Wildcats star was a tackle, but he projects as a guard in the NFL. He might fill a need on the offensive line for the Steelers. In 2021, Pittsburgh selected running back Najee Harris. He had a good debut season, but his impact was restricted due to poor offensive line performance.
Kinnard’s addition to the mix offers this squad a physically and psychologically strong offensive lineman. By trade, he’s a mauler, and his presence in the center may help the Steelers return to their smash-mouth roots. His tenacity and grind compensate for his lack of skill and footwork.
UTSA CB Tariq Woolen
Tariq Woolen is one of the most exciting draft prospects in the 2018 class. He, more than any other player on this list, stands to gain the most by attending the NFL Combine.
Woolen began his college career as a wide receiver at the University of Texas-San Antonio. During his junior season, he switched to cornerback. Given his attacking background, he naturally possesses exceptional ball skills. His biggest asset, though, is his exceptional athletic ability. He has a unique mix of stature, length, and quickness.
Joe Haden, a veteran cornerback, is an unrestricted free agent. If the Steelers let him to depart, they will undoubtedly need to bolster their secondary. Woolen is still in the early stages of his growth. Even so, general manager Kevin Colbert should keep an eye on him because of his athletic abilities.
Pro Football Reference and College Football Reference provided all stats.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is number 5 on the Steelers?
Who is number 7 on the Steelers?
A: The Steelers are currently on a streak of 16 games without having 7 players miss a game.
Who is number 11 on the Steelers 2020?
A: Eli Manning is number 11 on the Pittsburgh Steelers 2020.
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