The Pittsburgh Steelers do not rush into off-season decisions like many other teams. While it is still early into the long, dark days without Steelers football, fans and analysts are already discussing what the team's priorities are.
Photo Credit: The Arthur Moats Experience
Former Steelers linebacker and podcast host, Arthur Moats, is no exception. On his show, The Arthur Moats Experience, he and his co-host Deke talked about the positions the team needs to focus on with a top-five list.
Steelers #1 - Cornerback
The Steelers have a lot of free agents in 2023 and they won't be able to keep everyone. That leaves a big decision to be made about CB Cam Sutton. While many think that Sutton is a player the Steelers need to pay to retain, Moats believes that they should draft a stud CB in the draft.
"We need a bonafide number one corner. Give me one of these young guys in the draft. I would much rather have a draft pick than pay for an older corner. They might have a bigger name but they have a lot more mileage. We know when the cornerback drops off that cliff it's done. They don't age smoothly, you go from being that guy to being barbecue chicken."
Steelers #2 - Left Tackle
Moats feels that the second most important upgrade needs to happen at the left tackle position. The offensive line definitely improved over the 2022 season but there is still work to be done. The spot currently belongs to Dan Moore Jr. and Moats feels that some competition could light a fire under him.
"Draft one of those guys in the second or third round just to bring in something that's going to either push Moore to make him be the guy that the Steelers think he's capable of being or bringing in a guy that makes Dan Moore be a nice backup."
Steelers #3 - Inside Linebacker
The Steelers ran an ILB by committee kind of package last season with us seeing Mark Robinson, Myles Jack, Devin Bush and Robert Spillane depending on the play. It seems likely that the team will move on from Bush based on his continued struggles. Spillane showed growth in 2022 and Robinson and Jack have promise, but that is not enough.
Moats thinks that the Steelers should fill that in free agency and with a familiar name, Tremaine Edmunds, who is currently with the Buffalo Bills. If not Edmunds, then a player of a similar caliber.
Buffalo Bills Tremaine Edmunds / Photo Credit: Wesley Hitt | Photo Credit: Getty Images
Steelers #4 - Left Guard
Kevin Dotson just wrapped up his third season in the black and gold and while he improved, he has been inconsistent. Like his counterpart at tackle, Moore, Dotson has been the recipient of a lot of criticism. These inconsistencies leave the left side of the line vulnerable to any defensive strike that is more than mediocre. Moats loves the idea of grabbing someone in free agency. He cited the pickup of James Daniels and Mason Cole in the offseason and thinks that they can find a player at a higher skill level.
"That's going to either push Dotson, to make Dotson be a Pro Bowl-caliber player or he's going to take Dotson's spot and make Dotson a high-end backup."
Steelers #5 - Strong Safety
The strong safety position is also facing the possibility of losing the best player on the roster to free agency. Terrell Edmunds, who is the brother of the aforementioned Tremaine from Buffalo, is poised to have a substantial salary increase. He has a great season in 2022 after inking a one-year deal. Edmunds pairs nicely in the secondary with Minkah Fitzpatrick.
He did so well that Moats thinks he is the free agent the team should go after. In addition, Moats believes that Damonte Kazee might be willing to return on a team-friendly contract as a backup if they ask nicely.
What are your top five areas of focus for 2023? Do you agree or disagree with any of Moats' selections? Comment below.
#SteelerNation
