The Pittsburgh Steelers don't seem to be making their NFL Draft intentions clear, and that's a good thing.
The Pittsburgh Steelers own the 21st overall pick in this year's NFL Draft, and there has been a whole lot of discussion in terms of which direction they will actually proceed.
The Steelers won the AFC North this past season, so they certainly have a good roster overall, but there is also no doubt they could use some improvements.
So, which position group will Pittsburgh address from the outset next Thursday?
ESPN's Brooke Pryor isn't quite sure, noting how cryptic the Steelers have been in terms of playing their hand throughout the draft process.
"Unlike recent years, there doesn't seem to be a consensus player -- or even position -- for the Steelers to take in the first round," Pryor wrote. "The front office addressed some of the most glaring needs (wide receiver, cornerback, safety) in free agency, giving them the flexibility to play the board. The Steelers' predraft visits also don't necessarily tip their hand because many of those brought in are considered middle-round picks."
Pittsburgh desperately needed a wide receiver heading into free agency, so it swung a trade for Michael Pittman Jr. It also added Jamel Dean at cornerback, and it brought in Jaquan Brisker at safety.
Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images."Though the Steelers have done their homework on the quarterbacks, including first-round hopeful Ty Simpson, it doesn't appear they'll go that way at No. 21. They continue to believe Aaron Rodgers will ultimately return for another season," Pryor added. "Instead, they could take best available player among wide receiver, offensive line, defensive line or any spot in the secondary."
Pittsburgh has not taken a wide receiver in the first round in two decades when it selected Santonio Holmes back in 2006, so that would certainly represent a stark shift for the organization.
But with the Steelers having no glaringly obvious holes following a pretty strong free agency period, they may just decide to take a best player available approach ... provided that it still somewhat fills a need.
You have to admire Pittsburgh's ambiguity in this year's draft. Omar Khan, Mike McCarthy and Co. are certainly making it difficult for other teams to get a read on them.
The Steelers also own 12 picks in this year's draft, which leads the league. That means we could see some trade activity in Pittsburgh.
Steelers Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Steelers. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.