ESPN Projects a Mediocre Future for Steelers
ESPN compiled their annual future power rankings for all 32 NFL teams for the next three seasons, and the outlook for the Pittsburgh Steelers is pretty mediocre, as they landed at No. 15.
Dan Graziano, Louis Riddick and Aaron Schatz rated each team’s quarterback situation, remaining (non-QB) roster makeup, front office and coaching staff using this scale: 100: A+ (elite), 90: A (great), 80: B (very good), 70: C (average), 60: D (very bad), 50 and below: F (disastrous).
The Steelers received an overall score of 81.0 out of 100. They graded high in coaching (90.7) but low at quarterback (70.3). The front office ranked 17th in the league (79.7).
The Steelers’ passing game is a major concern for Riddick. He’s just not sure if Pittsburgh can keep up with the elite offenses in the NFL.
“The Pittsburgh offense’s ability to create explosive plays in the pass game is an ongoing issue, and finishing 26th in the NFL in plays of 20-plus yards in 2023 did nothing to lessen the worry. After hiring Arthur Smith as their offensive coordinator, making additions along the offensive line (Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier) and overhauling the QB room (by adding Russell Wilson and Justin Fields), my concerns are not as great as they were last summer, but for this franchise to achieve elite status again, it must be able to match the best offenses in the league blow for blow,” Riddick wrote.
Graziano thinks the Steelers have a lot of potential on the offensive side of the ball, especially with young talents like George Pickens and Jaylen Warren. He’s also encouraged by what the Steelers have done on the offensive line. He mentioned Najee Harris, too, which was kind of head-scratching, as he’ll most likely not be in the Black and Gold next season. An extension could occur, but it seems very unlikely.
“Edge rusher T.J. Watt remains the centerpiece of a perpetually strong defense, leading the NFL with 19 sacks last season,” Graziano wrote. “The offensive line looks solid as it has in in a while after some draft replenishments. And George Pickens, Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren all look like emerging stars on offense who should keep the Steelers competitive no matter which quarterback starts this season and beyond.”
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