The Pittsburgh Steelers are not often credited by national media outlets and blogs. The lack of belief in the organization continued this weekend when Bleacher Report released an article ranking the top teams that are going to regret the moves made in the 2022 offseason. The Steelers weren't just in the rankings, but came in at number three mainly in part to the draft selection of rookie quarterback, Kenny Pickett and his development plan. Kristopher Knox did not hold back with his thoughts on the organization's decisions and the regret that will come with them.
The problem with his rankings and where the Steelers land on the list is the lack of foundation and detail he fails to provide.
His first comment actually started out positive as Knox believes the Steelers won't regret the actual selection of Pickett.
"The 2023 quarterback class—headlined by C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young—appears to be much stronger than the 2022 class, but the Pittsburgh Steelers aren't built to tank for a top prospect. They're unlikely to regret taking a chance on Kenny Pickett in Round 1."
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (#8) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during rookie minicamp, Friday, May 13, 2022 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Nowhere is it mentioned that Pickett was the clear-cut most NFL-ready quarterback in the draft and has a familiarity with the newly named, Acrisure Stadium.
Knox's lack of knowledge on the front office's efforts to improve the offensive line the last six months or so was evident in a comment.
"It did little to improve an offensive line that was problematic in 2021," wrote Knox.
While he mentions the additions of Mason Cole and James Daniels, he writes it apparently won't be enough to be a "top-tier" unit. There were needs everywhere and the offensive line absolutely got better since the end of last season and the Steelers won't look back and question the decision to sign these guys.
The bashing of the approach to improve the offense recently continued.
"The Steelers had the opportunity to put better pieces around their quarterback this offseason. They still have $13.8 million in cap space. By failing to land players like Terron Armstead and La'el Collins, the Steelers have put themselves in a position where starting Pickett early on probably isn't best for his development."
The Steelers have never been a team to make big splashes in free agency. Instead, they build with small signings and from within using the draft and developing talent.
Steelers Apparently Did Almost Nothing To Improve Run Defense
The next portion is possibly the worst evaluation of the piece.
"The fact that Pittsburgh did little to address the league's worst run defense aside from adding Myles Jack doesn't help the situation, either. Relying on a stout defense won't be an option."
The run defense can't get much worse from last year as the unit allowed 146.1 yards per game on the ground. And what about the addition of Larry Ogunjobi and return of Tyson Alualu? The team also used their third round draft pick on rookie defensive lineman, DeMarvin Leal.
Clearly, Knox did not do the amount of research that he should have as he left out key additions and downplayed the operation that is one of the most respected in all of professional sports on Art Rooney Ave. The Steelers very rarely ever regret offseason moves and the 2022 stretch is likely to follow with that trend.
Do you think the Steelers will regret the moves made in the past six months or so? Let us know in the comments below!
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