Now that we have QB clarity...

[Oviedo]

With apparent agreement with Ben for one more year, what will help him and the team contend for a Super Bowl? Elite RB? Rebuilt OL?

[Northern_Blitz]

I think OL needs to be the main priority with no OC or LT currently on the roster (assuming Chucks stays RT).

But this was my position even if he wasn't coming back.

Trying to keep on of Sutton or Hilton is also pretty important IMO.

Juju and RB less important.

[Oviedo]

I think OL needs to be the main priority with no OC or LT currently on the roster (assuming Chucks stays RT).But this was my position even if he wasn't coming back.Trying to keep on of Sutton or Hilton is also pretty important IMO.Juju and RB less important.

I kinda think getting a "bell cow" RB early might help more than young, inexperienced OL. We can get those in Round 2-4

[Northern_Blitz]

I kinda think getting a "bell cow" RB early might help more than young, inexperienced OL. We can get those in Round 2-4

I think we have RBs we could run with next season though it wouldn't be ideal. We need to find 2 starters on the OL.

We currently have one OT under contract, one OC who isn't a starter, and 2 starting guards. We need at least 2 starters on the OL and I think that has to be the priority.

I'd rather have below-to-average RBs behind a good line than a good RB behind a below-to-average OL.

But I also think that there are probably too many holes on the roster to really be competitive in our division next season.

[Chucktownsteeler]

Of the first (4) draft picks we need a minimum 2 to the O-line, 1-RB, and 1 -TE. Although Iguess the TE is typically O-Line.

1.) OT or C
2.) C or OT
3.) RB
4a.) TE

The first and second rounds flip-flop, depending on the selection in the 1st.

[Northern_Blitz]

Of the first (4) draft picks we need a minimum 2 to the O-line, 1-RB, and 1 -TE. Although Iguess the TE is typically O-Line.

1.) OT or C
2.) C or OT
3.) RB
4a.) TE

The first and second rounds flip-flop, depending on the selection in the 1st.

I'd agree with something like this.

Although I'd honestly be fine if we didn't end up taking a RB this year. If we aren't going to take a 1st or 2nd round guy, do we really think we'll get much different than the 2 4th round guys we already have?

I don't think this is how it will go down, but if there's a better player on the board in round 3, I'd be fine not going RB.

[SteelBucks]

With apparent agreement with Ben for one more year, what will help him and the team contend for a Super Bowl? Elite RB? Rebuilt OL?

Both. That’s why I want Najee Harris in the first round and spend the rest of the draft rebuilding the offensive line. We’re in desperate need of a center and tackle.

[Oviedo]

Both. That’s why I want Najee Harris in the first round and spend the rest of the draft rebuilding the offensive line. We’re in desperate need of a center and tackle.

I think the consideration is if you pass on Harris is there another RB in Rounds 2-3 near his level. Same equation for OL. If you pass on a Creed Humphrey in Round 1 is there another Center close to him in 2-3.

I'm fine with however they work it out, but I think Harris is an elite Saquon Barkley like talent where the multiple OL guys available are pretty close.

[SteelerMaine83]

I think the consideration is if you pass on Harris is there another RB in Rounds 2-3 near his level. Same equation for OL. If you pass on a Creed Humphrey in Round 1 is there another Center close to him in 2-3.

I'm fine with however they work it out, but I think Harris is an elite Saquon Barkley like talent where the multiple OL guys available are pretty close.

I think both the North Carolina RBs, Williams and Carter can be as good as Harris (and I like Harris), and they will likely be taken between 45-75. However, I would worry about Harris or any RB being successful without a better line.

I think you have to see how the draft plays out. After the top three OL are off the board-Sewell, Slater and Darrisaw (I would take any of them if they somehow slipped to 24–don’t see that happening), I think there are about 10-12 guys that could go by the time our second pick comes up. Always seem to get a run on OL early in the 2nd, especially if you have a shiny new rookie QB to protect (we’ll have many this year). I would worry that at 55 we might miss on the sure fire rookie starters at OL in the draft, and then where are we? Scraping the bottom of the FA market (because we don’t have money for expensive FAs) to start at T and C.

Strangely enough, I’d feel like we have a better chance at success if we trade our 1 (24) to Miami for their 2(36) and 3(81). Gives us 4 shots in the top 100 at OL, RB and TE. Humphrey-Carter-S. Brown-Tremble?

[Northern_Blitz]

I think the consideration is if you pass on Harris is there another RB in Rounds 2-3 near his level. Same equation for OL. If you pass on a Creed Humphrey in Round 1 is there another Center close to him in 2-3.

I'm fine with however they work it out, but I think Harris is an elite Saquon Barkley like talent where the multiple OL guys available are pretty close.

And even though it's a deep OT class, how many are going to make it to our second pick?

[SteelerMaine83]

And even though it's a deep OT class, how many are going to make it to our second pick?

Precisely. I feel like our 1st pick should be a C, as both Humphrey and Dickerson are plug n play for the next ten years (barring injury, of course). Although not ideal, I think we will have Chuks, resign Banner on another prove it deal, maybe bring in Beachum cheap, and then see who’s left at OT in the draft when our second (or 3rd) comes up. That way we don’t have to start a rookie on the wings, but will start one at C.

[Eich]

Whatever it takes to have Ben throw less than 40 times per game and beyond the LOS. In my opinion, the focus has to be on the line. We have backs that are good enough if the line makes holes and Ben is able (and not afraid) to hold the ball for 3 seconds to throw more than 5 yards.

[Chucktownsteeler]

That and less predictability from the offense. I think I read here that we run 88% of the time when Ben is under center and 76% (or close) when Ben is in the shotgun.

This makes it easy for the defense to stop the run and defend the pass. Need to be less predictable. Obviously.

[Northern_Blitz]

Precisely. I feel like our 1st pick should be a C, as both Humphrey and Dickerson are plug n play for the next ten years (barring injury, of course). Although not ideal, I think we will have Chuks, resign Banner on another prove it deal, maybe bring in Beachum cheap, and then see who’s left at OT in the draft when our second (or 3rd) comes up. That way we don’t have to start a rookie on the wings, but will start one at C.

From Colbert's comments (deep at OT shallow at interior OL) I could see it go either way.

OT's are deep. So picking one late in the first (where we usually end up picking) means that we'd probably be getting a good value at that pick because guys that good aren't usually available then.

IOL is shallow. So there's a big drop off in OC if you don't get one early.

I think it should probably come down to who's actually available, but I don't want to go through another "does he play center" period.

[Joel Buchsbaum]

With apparent agreement with Ben for one more year, what will help him and the team contend for a Super Bowl? Elite RB? Rebuilt OL?

I really didn't want Ben back. HOWEVER, there is such as thing as Peyton Manning and Tom Brady wining a super bowl they really didn't do much more than become a game manager in.

Both Manning and Brady had a top defense. We do too. Focus now shifts to get the running game going. If they are viewing it like this, get RB Harris, a top tackle and a upgrade at center in the draft. Then we will see if we can win with Ben one more time. OH, but they had a deep coaching staff and we do not.

I think this team thanks to the cap, the free agent losses that are coming and brutal schedule can't do this and would have started over. We'll see. We do have Kevin Colbert. Pressure is on him to draft very well. For those interested Kevin's sone is a grinder type and scout for the Steelers.