COLUMBUS, Ohio — Let’s not over think the draft, Steelers fans.
Wanna talk linebackers? Come see us Saturday. A quarterback? Unless Justin Fields drops to No. 24, get in line behind the linebackers delegation.
The Steelers primary objective in the first three rounds should be fixing the woeful running game and solidifying their offensive line. These picks should be made not only with Ben Roesthlisberger in mind, but his successor.
You can’t be this bad at running the football and expect anything to be better for the offense next season. You can’t be this bad at running the football and expect No. 7’s heir apparent to have anything but a bumpy transition.
Roethlisberger thrived as a rookie in 2004 because he had a future Hall-of-Fame running back in Jerome Bettis and three starters on the offensive line that would be part of the 2005 Super Bowl championship squad.
As good as Joe Burrow looked at times in his rookie season last year, you could almost see a serious injury coming behind that Bengals’ offensive line.
If Alabama running back Najee Harris is available at No. 24, take him. Good runner, decent pass catcher, willing block. Clemson’s Travis Etienne and North Carolina’s Javonte Williams also are enticing options. If the Steelers are convinced one of the running backs will be there a few picks later, they can trade back to put an additional third- or fourth-round choice in their cart.
Use the second round to address the retirement of Maurkice Pouncey or the departure of Alejandro Villanueva. Converted guard Quinn Meinerz from Division III Wisconsin-Whitewater, who trains like a lumberjack, is an intriguing option at center. The Steelers have been at their best over the years with a dominant center such as Mike Webster, Dermontti Dawson and Pouncey. If Meinerz is too much of a reach — and I don’t think he is based on reports out of the Senior Bowl — then grab Ohio State’s Josh Myers.
Getting a running back and at least one offensive lineman in the first two rounds is imperative. If there’s a left tackle the Steelers like in the third round then check that box as well even if he spends his rookie season learning his craft behind Chuks Okorafor.
Quarterback is the most important position, and the Steelers owe it to Roethlisberger and the signal-caller who eventually replaces him to have a competent running game in place.
Take the top rounds of this draft and address a problem that’s plagued the Steelers for several seasons. It’s not that complicated, and it’s an approach that will benefit the club now and in the future.
YOUR TURN: Should the Steelers make fixing their running game the top draft priority?