Whereas the Steelers took a defensive position prospect within the first spherical of the draft in Derrick Harmon, a double dip is feasible. GM Omar Khan spoke to Steelers Nation Radio after their choice and basically confirmed as a lot. Although another defensive linemen got here off the board at their choice, it is a deep class.
Requested if the Steelers are keen to take one other defensive position prospect, Khan stated, “That’s a superb query. It’s a extremely good draft at that place. I’d say the choices are nonetheless open to handle that if there’s a superb participant there. However it’s an thrilling group”.
The Steelers watched three defensive position prospects go off the board earlier than their decide, which can have precipitated some nerves. The Browns drafted Mason Graham, then Kenneth Grant and Walter Nolen went off the board by 16.
I’m guessing they have been sweating out the remaining choices till decide 21, however the Cincinnati Bengals opted for DE Shemar Stewart over a sort out. The board broke within the Steelers’ favor to spice up their defensive position with Derrick Harmon—however is the work completed?
The Steelers’ defensive position room now consists of Cameron Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Derrick Harmon, Daniel Ekuale, Montravius Adams, Isaiahh Loudermilk, DeMarvin Leal, Dean Lowry, Logan Lee, and Esezi Otomeweo. In case it’s not apparent, they’ve an overabundance of defensive ends. They may, nonetheless, use extra beef within the center, so a stout nostril sort out could possibly be so as.
After deciding on Harmon, Steelers HC Mike Tomlin stated they’d “excessive urgency” to handle the defensive position. If the urgency have been that excessive, then maybe it shouldn’t cease with only one participant. In fact, they solely have six choices this yr, which makes a double dip onerous at any place.
Whereas the Steelers addressed the defensive position within the first spherical, there are a number of different positions they need to handle. Quarterback and operating again are the obvious ones, however they’ll additionally go broad receiver and cornerback. The later you go into the draft, too, the extra it turns into about expertise. However there’s additionally the matter of positional numbers and roster potential.
Nonetheless, given the depth of the defensive position on this class, the Steelers could be silly to not contemplate double-dipping on the place. Who is aware of, possibly they’ll even have the ability to work out a minor commerce for considered one of their extra defensive ends. If Leal has a superb summer time, for instance, however not sufficient to show down a commerce provide.
Derrick Harmon clearly addresses the defensive position, however the Steelers most likely need to do extra for the run protection. Harmon coming in will hold Keeanu Benton at nostril sort out. However they could need to discover a greater nostril extra stout in opposition to the run for apparent run downs. Even when Tomlin known as nostril a dying animal. They’ve Montravius Adams, however he isn’t precisely within the Casey Hampton vein, himself.
