The Pittsburgh Steelers made a significant organizational shift by hiring Mike McCarthy as their next head coach, moving away from their tradition of young, defensive-minded leaders. While McCarthy brings a wealth of experience, including a Super Bowl title with the Green Bay Packers, the hire has faced scrutiny. One NFL insider characterized the decision as uninspired, noting that the team passed on the chance to reset with a rising young coordinator.
Former Steelers standout Le’Veon Bell offered a particularly harsh prediction, suggesting a 4-13 season is incoming and criticizing the move as a step backward. Despite the criticism, management believes McCarthy’s history of developing elite passers could be the key to convincing Aaron Rodgers to return for one final run or properly molding the next face of the franchise.
What are the Steelers’ biggest offseason needs, and who could they target with the 21st pick? According to a report from ESPN, ”the Steelers’ needs once again center around the quarterback position, regardless of whether Rodgers is in the mix next season.”
At pick No. 21, there will be consideration for Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson if he’s still on the board.
”His strong play in the pocket would fit well with McCarthy’s West Coast offense. But if Simpson is gone by the time Pittsburgh is on the clock, the wide receiver class could get a look. The Steelers still need someone opposite DK Metcalf, and USC’s Makai Lemon would be an ideal No. 2 with his route running and run-after-catch abilities,” also noticed ESPN.
The draft strategy highlights the urgency to surround whoever is under center with more reliable weapons.
While Metcalf remains a dominant force, the lack of a consistent second option was evident during his late-season suspension. Makai Lemon, who has been praised for having some of the most reliable hands in the draft class, would immediately upgrade the depth chart.
The franchise’s “win-now” mentality is clear, but the path to a deep playoff run remains complicated by a challenging divisional landscape.
For the first time in nearly two decades, a new voice is leading the way in Pittsburgh, and the results of this transition will shape the team’s identity for the next five years.
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