First and 10: Steelers Still Have Holes to Fill after OTAs

Alan Saunders |

May 27, 2022

The Pittsburgh Steelers completed their first week of OTAs on Thursday and for the most part, the team looks as good as one can at this time of year.

Position battles at left guard and quarterback have begun, the new coaches are making an impact, new veteran additions like James Daniels, Myles Jack and Avery Wallace are fitting in smoothly and the rookie class of 2022 got its feet wet. Only a couple veterans did not attend at all, and the team has no major injuries. You can’t win a Super Bowl in May, but the moves made by Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert this offseason seem to be paying off.

But a look around the practice field this week, especially during times when the second team was operating, showed that potential weaknesses remain.

The Steelers didn’t address depth at running back behind Najee Harris or outside linebacker in any substantive way this offseason. With Stephon Tuitt not around, the defensive line has depth, but few proven starters. The tackle position that struggled last year has the same guys through the first three spots on the depth chart.

These aren’t crippling holes, but with the team still possessing a good amount of salary cap space and the ability to make more, it’s an opportunity to pick the league’s leftovers for talent.

Last year at this time, the Steelers had not yet accquired Joe Schobert, Trai Turner or Ahkello Witherspoon and all three turned into starters for the club. They don’t even have that big of a need right now, but the team can definitely still be improved going forward.

STEELERS HEADLINES

OTA Takeaways: Heyward Brother Strife, DB Want Sacks, LG Battle, Alan Saunders

George Pickens Feel 100% in “Smooth” Start to OTAs, Chris Carter

Diontae Johnson Absent at Steelers OTAs, Teammates Not Concerned, Cale Berger, Saunders

NFL.com: Pat Freiermuth is Steelers’ Most Underappreciated Player, Berger

Odds: Kenny Pickett Now Favorite to be NFL Rookie of the Year, Berger

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TODAY’S STEELERS SCHEDULE

The Steelers will introduce new general manager Omar Khan in a press conference at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex at 10 a.m. Saunders, Carter, Ed Thompson

The team still has not signed two of its seven draft picks from the 2022 NFL Draft: QB Kenny Pickett and WR Calvin Austin III. Austin Bechtold