NFL

Every NFL Team's 2017 Draft Needs Based on Analytics

Joe Redemann  —  @TheIDPGuy Feb 27th, 2017
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Pittsburgh Steelers

Top Needs: TE, ILB, OLB, CB

The Pittsburgh Steelers are at a similar position as the Giants: running out of time with the current, established core. Tight ends Jesse James and Ladarius Green haven’t filled the void; that unit was 18th in Reception NEP per target in 2016. The Steelers are a sneaky option to select a wide receiver, too, as they had the ninth-best Reception NEP per target but the ninth-least sum Reception NEP to wideouts.

The defensive core has been intact since the Steelers’ last Super Bowl run, which presents a problem for the future. Linebackers Lawrence Timmons and James Harrison are getting old, and Jarvis Jones has an expiring deal. These struggles have led to a just 15th-best Adjusted Defensive Rushing NEP per play.

The lack of pass-rush and flagging cornerback play also have led to a 12th-worst Adjusted Defensive Passing NEP per play ranking this year. They could use reinforcements behind Ross Cockrell and Artie Burns.

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