I can carry a cynical streak. As much as I attempt to be fair and optimistic, my glass tends to be closer to half empty than half full. Still, when it comes to the state of the Pittsburgh Steelers and their roster, things look about as good as they could.<\/p>\n
I have my quibbles. I would\u2019ve preferred the team to target a younger and more athletic receiver in free agency like Romeo Doubs instead of trading for Michael Pittman Jr. The draft class fell short of perfect or as good as Omar Khan\u2019s first three. Still, it\u2019s undeniable the roster got better at every step of the way this offseason and big holes were filled.<\/p>\n
Pittsburgh\u2019s wide receivers are much improved. No longer is it front office lip service of the team being really high on Scotty Miller and an unproven Roman Wilson. Trading for Pittman and drafting Germie Bernard is an upgrade. Two savvy and smart players capable of aligning around the formation. Pair them with an explosive DK Metcalf and the continuity of QB Aaron Rodgers returning all packaged in Mike McCarthy\u2019s system and there\u2019s reason for optimism.<\/p>\n
Losing RB Kenneth Gainwell hurt but was dulled by Rico Dowdle, a back-to-back 1,000-yard rusher with proven success in McCarthy\u2019s system. Having a fullback in Riley Nowakowski is a welcome wrinkle. Curiously, Arthur Smith never showed much interest in the position despite having an old-school offense that utilized one in Atlanta.<\/p>\n
The offensive line could be the real gem. A group already on the rise last year added top-100 picks Max Iheanachor and Gennings Dunker. Brock Hoffman likely functions as quality depth. Exactly how the front five becomes constructed remains unclear, there will be good summer battles, but there\u2019s talent to feel good about the starters no matter how everything shakes out.<\/p>\n
Pittsburgh\u2019s defense received key free agent investments. Jamel Dean doesn\u2019t make the unit younger but he\u2019s a clear No. 2 corner fitting the Steelers\u2019 preferred mold of big and physical. Jaquan Brisker became a shrewd safety signing that made Pittsburgh three deep and increases Jalen Ramsey\u2019s corner\/safety versatility. Signing Sebastian Joseph-Day was another smart move up front to bolster the Steelers\u2019 run defense and make them five deep along the d-line.<\/p>\n
The Steelers needed to get younger. That came with 10 draft picks, the franchise\u2019s most since 2010. Special teams got plenty of Day 3 love. Kaden Wetjen could ignite the return game. Nowakowski and Robert Spears-Jennings can make an immediate impact in multiple phases. Eli Heidenreich might, too, and was a perfect seventh-round pick of talent, athleticism, and work ethic that screams upside.<\/p>\n