Team-by-Team Draft Recap: Pittsburgh Steelers

Jeff Haverlack Posted On July 4, 2014

archer

This article is part of our ongoing series where we provide team-by-team analysis and veteran divisional winners and losers from the NFL Draft. You can read the entire series here.

As deep in offensive talent as the 2014 NFL Draft was, some teams just didn’t wish to partake. The Steelers are one of a handful of teams that didn’t come out of the draft with a higher profile offensive rookie. That’s not to say that they didn’t address needs, especially on the defensive side of the ball, but offensively speaking, there just isn’t much to report.

The Steelers were in the middle of the pack in passing yardage, finishing 12th overall. The running game, however, could manage only 86 yards a game – good for only 28th league-wide. Le’Veon Bell saw action in 13 games and is 100% healthy leading into 2014. His rookie season saw him tally 244 rushes for 860 yards and eight touchdowns. He also added 45 receptions but failed to find the end-zone. While his yards per carry average was an anemic 3.5, note the Steelers experienced offensive line woes before the season even began, playing a major role in the lack-luster rushing production. To add short yardage muscle, the Steelers also brought in LeGarrette Blount fresh off a successful stint with the Patriots. Blount has been productive in stretches, but will serve only as a change of pace and in short yardage situations.

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Through the air, the Steelers continue to be led by PPR gem Antonio Brown, who reeled in 110 receptions for 1,499 and eight touchdowns. It could be that Brown has shed his PPR label and may now be a WR1 in all formats. Emmanuel Sanders was allowed to walk in free agency and quickly signed in Denver to fill the hole left by Eric Decker (Jets). The hope is that 2013 rookie Markus Wheaton, who disappointed in his rookie year, will now see the field in three-wide formations.

At the helm of the offense, Big Ben Roethlisberger is now 32 years of age and remains a borderline QB1 in fantasy. A revamped and healthy offensive line should be just what the doctor ordered for Roethlisberger to stay upright and utilize his capable arm.

At tight end, the aging Heath Miller is the only noteworthy playmaker at the position and it was widely expected the Steelers would bolster the position in free agency or the draft. Miller’s production has begun to slip and he’s fought nagging injuries over the past two seasons. The Steelers need to address this position soon.

Dri Archer, RB (Round 3, #97)

At just shy of 5’8″ and 173 lbs., Archer won’t be featured in the running game to any extent, but should provide the “lightning” aspect the offense has been sorely missing. Look for Archer to line up in multiple spots to allow him to receive the ball in space, where his other-worldly speed dynamic will be best utilized. Special teams will also likely be in the cards for Archer as the Steelers look to take advantage of his vision and ability to make defenders miss in the open field.

Just as other small backs have struggled in fantasy, so too will Archer in all likelihood. If, however, the Steelers have been studying tape and usage of Darren Sproles while he was still playing in New Orleans, then PPR coaches should take note and at least keep him on the radar for a late pick or quick waive wire addition. Upside can exist for a player like Archer, but his system will be key.

Martavis Bryant, WR (Round 4, #118)

Bryant flew under the radar during the draft and Pittsburgh got a nice value in round four. Almost 6’4″ in height, Bryant is a rangy and fluid receiver, but extremely raw in most aspects of his play. He falls to a team with an established and well respect coaching staff, something Bryant will need if he is to develop.

Bryant has legitimate 4.42 speed and he plays just as fast on tape. But with limited route skills and questionable vertical skills (even with his height), he’s going to be a work in progress for a long time. The Steelers play an offense that could make use of Bryant’s strength out of the gate, his ability to stretch the defense with more simplistic, vertical, routes – this could provide an all important role early in his career from which he can further develop. In any case, Bryant has an intriguing size-speed dynamic that makes him a worthy gamble in the mid-to-late third round of your rookie draft. Selecting coaches will need to have patience for, likely, at least three years.

Rob Blanchflower, TE (Round 7, #230)

Blanchflower is a tough tight end who likely will serve in an in-line blocking role. There’s no need to keep him on your radar at this point.

Summary

At least in fantasy, the Steelers’ draft was lackluster at best. Archer doesn’t figure in fantasy except in the deepest of dynasty leagues and Martavis Bryant will be a third round rookie selection with upside. If the Steelers wish to better 2013’s 8-8 record, it will have to come at the hands of the offensive line and improved production from young receivers, primarily Markus Wheaton. Don’t rule out additional free agent additions as the Summer rolls on.

Follow me on Twitter: @DLF_Jeff

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Jeff Haverlack

Co-Founder at Dynasty League Football

Appreciative husband and proud father who poorly attempts to balance family life with his passion for creating the largest, most helpful and most impactful fantasy community on the planet! DLF was created for the community and we're committed to each member within it! Hope anyone playing this great game will call DLF home in some way!

You can find Jeff on Twitter at @dlf_jeff

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