The NFL Draft is meant for long-term building before addressing needs, but there's a way for things to go hand in hand. This April, there are a few positions that should probably be addressed, not only because of roster needs but also because of the strength of the class:
• Wide receiver: Fortunately for the Steelers, who are in desperate need to address this position, this year's crop of pass catchers is pretty strong. While it lacks a runaway superstar-type, there's a ton of depth and a lot of talent. Currently, Pro Football Focus has 16 receivers in their Top 100. And, should the Steelers look to use a first-round pick on a receiver, there should be plenty of potential options that'd be worth a first-round selection. Names to watch: Makai Lemon, Jordyn Tyson, Denzel Boston, KC Concepcion.
• Inside linebacker: This position is so hit and miss nowadays, but the more homework I do on the draft, the more I like this year's class. Not only are there nine guys in PFF's Top 100 but there are some legitimate chances for some guys to turn into impact players. This isn't the biggest need, especially if Patrick Queen is retained. However, this might be a great chance to bolster a position that needs to produce more. It's not the best position to draft in the first round, but I could see a Day 2 selection here. Names to watch: CJ Allen, Anthony Hill Jr., Jake Golday, Josiah Trotter, Deontae Lawson, Kyle Louis.
• Cornerback: Once again, there will be plenty of talented players at this position. It's not exactly a top-heavy group, but the Steelers don't need another star on the outside, especially if they're able to re-sign James Pierre in free agency. Instead, the Steelers could add a talented and versatile player to possibly come in and play in the slot. This class does have a few of those guys. Names to watch: Jermod McCoy, D'Angelo Ponds, Avieon Terrell, Brandon Cisse, Keionte Scott, Chandler Rivers, Treydan Stukes.
THE ASYLUM
Positions to address in NFL Draft
The NFL Draft is meant for long-term building before addressing needs, but there's a way for things to go hand in hand. This April, there are a few positions that should probably be addressed, not only because of roster needs but also because of the strength of the class:
• Wide receiver: Fortunately for the Steelers, who are in desperate need to address this position, this year's crop of pass catchers is pretty strong. While it lacks a runaway superstar-type, there's a ton of depth and a lot of talent. Currently, Pro Football Focus has 16 receivers in their Top 100. And, should the Steelers look to use a first-round pick on a receiver, there should be plenty of potential options that'd be worth a first-round selection. Names to watch: Makai Lemon, Jordyn Tyson, Denzel Boston, KC Concepcion.
• Inside linebacker: This position is so hit and miss nowadays, but the more homework I do on the draft, the more I like this year's class. Not only are there nine guys in PFF's Top 100 but there are some legitimate chances for some guys to turn into impact players. This isn't the biggest need, especially if Patrick Queen is retained. However, this might be a great chance to bolster a position that needs to produce more. It's not the best position to draft in the first round, but I could see a Day 2 selection here. Names to watch: CJ Allen, Anthony Hill Jr., Jake Golday, Josiah Trotter, Deontae Lawson, Kyle Louis.
• Cornerback: Once again, there will be plenty of talented players at this position. It's not exactly a top-heavy group, but the Steelers don't need another star on the outside, especially if they're able to re-sign James Pierre in free agency. Instead, the Steelers could add a talented and versatile player to possibly come in and play in the slot. This class does have a few of those guys. Names to watch: Jermod McCoy, D'Angelo Ponds, Avieon Terrell, Brandon Cisse, Keionte Scott, Chandler Rivers, Treydan Stukes.
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