The Pittsburgh Steelers' offseason moves have raised concerns about team speed and overall direction. With the additions of Rico Dowdle and Michael Pittman Jr., the Steelers are perceived as having slowed down after losing Kenneth Gainwell, Calvin Austin III, and Scotty Miller. Critics, including league executives, question the strategy, suggesting the changes may not lead to playoff success, especially without a top-tier quarterback. While the team retains some talent, the consensus is they have not adequately addressed their speed deficiency.

By the Numbers
  • Pittman ran a 4.52-second 40-yard dash at the Combine.
  • Rico Dowdle has averaged only nine explosive runs over 567 carries.
State of Play
  • The Steelers are criticized for lacking a clear vision in their roster moves.
  • Team executives are skeptical about the effectiveness of the new players added this offseason.
What's Next

The Steelers could potentially improve their speed in the upcoming draft, possibly adding a wide receiver or two. However, the impact of these rookies remains uncertain as they would need to compete for playing time against established players. Additionally, the situation surrounding Aaron Rodgers continues to evolve, influencing the team's decisions.

Bottom Line

The Steelers face a critical need to rethink their strategy and add more speed to remain competitive. Without addressing these gaps, they risk stagnating in a league that increasingly values explosive playmaking. The upcoming draft presents a pivotal opportunity to reshape their roster and restore some speed on offense.