Pittsburgh Steelers Team Needs - LB, DE, WR, OL

On defense, the linebacker position—a position that the Steelers have long been heralded for—is still relatively strong, but players like Clark Haggans and James Farrior are entering their thirties, and there isn’t much talent behind the duo. The loss of Joey Porter compounds the issue for the Steelers. The team could look to acquire a linebacker with their first selection. Also, the defensive end position will need help, if the team truly wants to provide all around support on the defensive side of the ball. An end able to consistently apply pressure will take some of the load off of the shoulders of other position players. Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel are serviceable options, but help is needed in the form of top level athleticism. Another area of need exists at wide receiver. Although wide receiver Santonio Holmes was made the team’s first round selection during the most recent NFL draft, depth is an issue at the position. Hines Ward has continued to shine, but the wear and tear caught up with him some this year, and the top receiver in Pittsburgh will benefit from additional talent lining up in the offense. Nate Washington and Cedrick Wilson have played well at times, but a big receiver that shows up consistently should be on the wish-list. On the offensive line, left guard Alan Faneca has hit thirty, center Jeff Hartings will be thirty-five next year, and enormous right tackle Max Starks will be coming off a late season knee injury—although it isn’t considered major. There is a lack of talent after the starting unit, and the starting unit just didn’t perform up to expectations in ‘06. It is reasonable to expect more than one change on the line prior to next season’s opening game.

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