It is no secret that the Pittsburgh Steelers have an issue on the offensive line that may take a while to correct. "A while" doesn't necessarily mean a couple months. It could take years to build the group and can be looked at as a longterm project. There are other positional groups on the team, however, that are currently expected to underperform given the status of the depth and production that we saw in the preseason. The offense could hold back the overall success of the organization in 2022, but it's a defensive position that comes in at the weakest position for the team in 2022, aside from the big men up front.
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker, Devin Bush (#55) prior to the 2021 regular season opener against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, NY on September 12, 2021. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
1.) Inside Linebacker
The Steelers went out of the organization to get help here this past off-season, signing former Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker, Myles Jack. The veteran looked great in the preseason and will be the strength of the unit, but there is no doubt that the depth and playmaking ability here could lead to some issues throughout the year. The X-factor here is fourth-year player, Devin Bush.
Bush has yet to return to form after an ACL tear during his sophomore season. His lack of explosiveness and inability to make a noticeable difference for the defense has been glaring dating back to the beginning of last year. If Jack were to miss any time due to injury, this group may even be looked at as worse than the offensive line. Robert Spillane and Marcus Allen are the older backup options while rookie, Mark Robinson may be the best fit to make plays aside from Jack if Bush's poor play continues.
2.) Running Back
Najee Harris will carry the load once again this year as he heads into his second season. He is not the reason that running back is listed at #2 here, but rather, who he has behind him. The backup running backs for the Steelers only carried the ball 51 times in 2021. That shows just how much Mike Tomlin believes in the group behind Harris. While Tomlin is not known for utilizing two ball carriers outside the days of Le'Veon Bell and DeAngelo Williams, that number is down from 153 in 2020.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Harris dealt with a Lisfranc injury during the majority of camp and seems to be healthy, but will be a workhorse to begin the year. It's possible the team has found a gem in undrafted rookie, Jaylen Warren, but many of his impressive runs came against second and third teams in the preseason. Benny Snell Jr. is around for special teams as he averaged just 2.7 yards per carry a season ago.
Tomlin needs to find a way to keep Harris fresh and not run the wheels off of him early in his career. That may not be an option though if the backup running backs end up being as unproductive as they were in the 2021 season.
3.) Cornerback
Surprise! Another defensive position lands on this list and it's not because of the starting three. Cameron Sutton, Ahkello Witherspoon and Levi Wallace should be a solid bunch for the team in 2022. The concerns that arise come from the depth behind them. Justin Layne was waived and claimed by the New York Giants and backups, Arthur Maulet and James Pierre did not have impressive preseasons.
Steelers cornerback James Pierre warming up before the final preseason game of 2022 against the Detroit Lions. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
This is one of the main positions that the franchise should focus on in next year's draft, but they don't exactly have a knack for drafting elite cornerbacks. The same goes here as does at inside linebacker. If one of the top guys goes down with some kind of injury, the secondary could be exposed. The run defense is already a concern, adding poor cornerback play would make for a long season in Pittsburgh.
Overall, the weaker positions on the team come because of the depth behind the starting players. If one or two injuries occur, the Steelers could be in big trouble and have a lack of production on both sides of the ball.
What position group for the Steelers concerns you as the team is set to begin the 2022 season? Let us know in the comments below!
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