Ranking every NFL team’s offensive supporting cast post-draft

13. Pittsburgh Steelers

RB: James Conner, Jaylen Samuels, Benny Snell, Anthony McFarland (20/25)

This backfield struggled mightily in 2019, suffering a multitude of injuries and shuffling through running backs week-in and week-out. Still, they have a talented core led by James Conner, who was nearly a 1,000-yard rusher in 2018. Samuels is an avid pass-catcher, Snell is a downhill runner, and McFarland is an intriguing rookie prospect.

WR: Juju Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson, James Washington, Chase Claypool (23/25)

I can’t negatively judge the Steelers wide receiver core after last year. Diontae Johnson and James Washington both ranked outside the top-75 receivers in catchable target rate; yet, they were still able to combine for 1,500 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.

Smith-Schuster has already shown he can excel from the slot position and Claypool has the size and frame to be a tight end playing receiver. Maybe it’s controversial, but I think the Steelers have one of the better wide receiver units in the league.

TE: Vance McDonald, Eric Ebron (18/25)

Even though his quarterback went down, Vance McDonald should’ve had a much better season. His 273 receiving yards and three touchdowns were incredibly disappointing for a player many thought would have a break-out season, especially given that backup quarterbacks typically rely on the tight end as a safety blanket. Ebron has the potential to be a red-zone weapon, but his inability to block might cost him playing time.

Offensive Line: Alejandro Villanueva, Stefen Wisniewski, Maurkice Pouncey, David Decastro, Matt Feiler (23/25)

The Steelers have consistently had one of the better offensive lines throughout the years. Not much has changed for this unit, except they’ve added Kevin Dotson as a fourth-round pick to compete for playing time on the right side of the line. Despite the inexperience of the quarterbacks playing behind them, Pittsburgh only gave up 32 sacks last season.

Total Score:  84/100

Summary: If Ben Roethlisberger is healthy, this team has all of the tools it needs to supplant the Ravens for the division title. The wide receiver core and offensive line is outstanding, while the running back group is deep enough to make up for the lack of upside. While I am not high on the tight end group, I can see this offense return to its high-flying 2018 form.