OFFENSE
The Steelers offensive line performed exceptionally well considering the season-ending injuries to C Maurkice Pouncey and LT Kelvin Beachum. C Cody Wallace helped with the loss to Pouncey but Wallace has a habit of making bone-headed penalties. He's good for depth along the o-line, though, should any more injuries occur. Beachum has turned into a terrific tackle and is definitely someone you want to have manning your quarterback's blind side. However, he's a free agent and stands to get paid big left tackle money. Alejandro Villenueva stepped up in a big way and should most surely be the starter next season as he's much more cost-effective. The Steelers have to make a decision with G Ramon Foster, another free agent. Ramon is a rock on that line and deserves to be paid as such. The thing is, G David DeCastro is 2 years away from free agency. He earned the 1st of what-is-expected to be many Pro Bowl births this year. It would be cool if the Steelers could swing both but if it's a toss-up, former 1st round pick DeCastro is the man you want. He was projected to be the next Alan Faneca. Someday, hopefully, we'll regard another youngster as the next DeCastro.
Some more decisions that need to be made in the near future are those of RB Le'Veon Bell and WR Antonio Brown. Bell's rookie deal ends after the 2016 season. Brown's contract is up in 2 seasons. They're both, arguably, the best in the NFL at their positions. Neither position is inexpensive. Bell has a history of injury and running backs seem to be the more expendable. Again, it would be good to see the Steelers pony up the cash for both. This one will be a wait-and-see game.
DEFENSE
No doubt about it, cornerback better be the Steelers top priority of the offseason. Trusted veteran CB Willie Gay is a free agent and has expressed an interest in returning. Considering he's getting long in the tooth, if you bring him back, no way should Gay be your #1 corner. The Steelers need to pursue a shutdown corner either via the draft or free agency. The Steelers have already re-signed CB Ross Cockrell. He's a solid backup but is not the answer, either. And while the Steelers are cornering the market for corners, they also need to find themselves some safety nets at safety.
After drafting 3 linebackers in the 1st round in the past 3 years (Jarvis Jones-2013, Ryan Shazier-2014 and Bud Dupree-2015), the Steelers still don't know what they have at the linebacker position. Each have offered glimpses of why the Steelers held them in such high regard. There have also been injuries and disappointments. The Steelers can pick up Jones's option for 2016 to get one last look. Shazier needs to stay healthy and stay on the field. Dupree will need to pace himself to avoid hitting the wall he hit in his rookie season. The Steelers also have to decide what to do with LB James Harrison. And Deebo has to decide what he wants to do. Decisions, decisions.....
SPECIAL TEAMS
Another item on the Steelers offseason shopping list: Return Man. Dri Archer didn't work. Neither did Jacoby Jones. Even though AB is a former Pro Bowler as a returner and he's explosive returning punts, the Steelers can't afford to have him back there for fear of injury. And when AB was injured, they had no answer for punts. Find someone that can return kickoffs and punts alike.
The Steelers will also have to make a decision at kicker. Chris Boswell made that one a no-brainer. Sorry, Shaun Suisham. It was good while it lasted but update that resume. The Steelers need to stick with the Wizard of Boz.
Mrs. Black-N-Gold will check in with our Steelers occasionally this offseason, to see where they are. Of course, if they should make any moves, she'll let you know about them and let you know what she thinks about them. It's the countdown to next season's kickoff and the march to the Stairway to 7. Let's Go Steelers!!!!!!
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