Steelers Fall to 11th in NFL.com Power Rankings after NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers dropped one spot to No. 11 in the first NFL.com Power Rankings released since the 2021 NFL Draft on Monday.

The rankings reflect the teams’ updated outlook since the previous set of rankings, which had the Steelers at No. 11 right after the end of free agency.

San Francisco jumped from No. 12 to No. 9 in the update, passing Pittsburgh after trading up drafting North Dakota State quarterback Trey Lance at No. 3 overall in the first round on Thursday.

“Selecting dynamic Alabama running back Najee Harris with the 24th overall pick filled a clear area need for a Steelers team that plodded at that position in 2020,” Dan Hanzus wrote. “Pittsburgh added more offense in the second round with the selection of Penn State tight end Pat Freiermuth, who profiles as an excellent counterpart to Eric Ebron.

“Even with these reinforcements, the Steelers feel vulnerable on offense as we enter a new season. Mason Rudolph and Dwayne Haskins aren’t the most reassuring insurance plans behind a fading Ben Roethlisberger, and the offensive line continues to loom as a concern at a time when division rivals in Baltimore and Cleveland have bolstered their pass rush.”

Tampa Bay and Kansas City remain No. 1 and 2 at the top of the rankings, while Buffalo leapfrogged Green Bay for No. 4. The Steelers AFC North rivals Baltimore and Cleveland are at No. 5 and 6 and the LA Rams, Seattle, San Francisco and New Orleans round out the top 10.