In correlation with this week’s episode of The Steelers Fix podcast, we are going to take a look at the top needs for the Steelers going into 2024. The last time Jeremy Betz and I discussed this was before the season began. Now that we have seen this Steelers team on the field, we thought it would be a good time to revisit the topic.

If you haven’t listened to this week’s episode, make sure you check it out below!

#1 Steelers Need in 2024:

Andrew: Strong Safety
Jeremy: Cornerback

Needless to say, the secondary is a major concern going forward. The Steelers are probably regretting not making a better effort to re-sign Terrell Edmunds, as the Keanu Neal experiment has not worked out. There are not very many prototypical strong safeties coming out of college anymore, but if any options are available in either free agency or the draft, the Steelers should definitely consider one. If Darius Rush or Cory Trice can prove their worth in 2024, corner may not be an immediate need, but depth will be needed regardless.

#2 Steelers Need in 2024:

Andrew: Inside Linebacker
Jeremy: Safety

Cole Holcomb has improved his play after a rocky start to the season, and Kwon Alexander has been a nice addition as well, but the Steelers lack that do-it-all three-down linebacker, and having one could take this unit to the next level. Jeremiah Trotter, Jr. is a name to keep an eye on in draft talks, as he will likely be a popular selection for Steelers fans in mock drafts this Spring.

#3 Steelers Need in 2024:

Andrew: Center
Jeremy: Inside Linebacker

Mason Cole has been exactly what the Steelers needed him to be when they signed him last offseason, but there is still room for improvement. Adding a young center to pair with Kenny Pickett makes a lot of sense, and the Steelers may actually have some good options to choose from in both free agency and the draft. The name I continue to mention is Sedrick Van Pran from Georgia. His combination of strength and mobility give him a high ceiling at the next level. He is easily the best center product since Creed Humphrey.

#4 Steelers Need in 2024:

Andrew: Running Back
Jeremy: Center

Running back is not considered a major need by most, but I do not believe Najee Harris can be relied upon as an efficient running back anymore. Jaylen Warren is good, but his ceiling is only so high. Adding another runner in the middle rounds of the draft only makes sense.

#5 Steelers Need in 2024:

Andrew: Cornerback
Jeremy: Right Tackle

As noted earlier, Jeremy sees corner as a much higher priority than I do, but I do agree that it is a position the Steelers need to re-evaluate this offseason. While Patrick Peterson has not been the greatest, he has played better with Joey Porter, Jr. on the field than he has with Levi Wallace. If the Steelers can find someone to pair with Porter, Jr. on the outside, I think Peterson would make for an exceptional nickel corner in the Steelers’ current defensive system. It would allow him to rely greater on his instincts and not as much on his slowly regressing athletic ability. While right tackle did not make my list, I cannot disagree that Chukwuma Okorafor is the weak link on the offensive line. I would like to see how well Dan Moore performs at right tackle personally.

Which need do you believe is the Steelers’ biggest need heading into 2024? Be sure to share your thoughts on this and all things Pittsburgh Steelers in the comment section below!