How Do You Rebuild?

Eh?

That is my point...I think....until the Steelers randomly went 6-10 and were fortunate enough to be in a position to draft Ben...they largely struggled to get over the hump in the playoffs so to speak. Particularly as the game changed into the 2000's and became so tilted in favor of the offense...specifically passing offense.

Draft 20 or so every year and the last handful of seasons are what it is going to look like going forward.

 

I agree we can have hope, the biggest question is the QB position... I don't think the 2026 draft will be a good one for that... I think the Steelers will try to sign Mac Jones or Malik Willis to a 1-2 years deal

 

Who are the NFL teams winning without a QB? Specifically without a QB that was drafted highly when he entered the league?

Niners and Purdy
Iggles and Hurts
And if you want, I will give you Baker and the Bucs

So...2 out of 14 playoff teams. That is a narrow path to walk.

 

This team does not need to rebuild

It needs to take its core strengths and build on them

 

To your point



We can add Mahomes(10) and an exception like Lamar(32)

But this is also possible to trade up like the chiefs(28 to 10) or the bills(21 to 7)to have the QB

 

The steelers still need a QB and be much younger

 

I am not giving up on Watt just yet. TJ Watt will only be 31 when the season starts.

I just watched Cam Heyward have 2 dominate seasons after I thought we was washed up after his "old man" groin injury.

 

Sometimes that happens and you end up losing more than you win. But the goal should always be to compete.

 

Were we trying to compete or trying to get a high draft pick? You always put your best out there to compete. The goal should never be anything else.

 

I might be delusional, but I don't think the team is that far off, as long as they have their long term qb on the roster in 2027.

1. Roll with the current QB room, sink or swim.
2. Cut Ramsey, Smith, Harrison. Trade if you can.
3. I would like to cut Queen but that leaves a large hole that can't be filled with a current rostered player.
4. Try to trade Highsmith while he has value. If no luck, cut.
5. We are stuck with Watt and Metcalf. Not terrible players just terrible contracts.
6. Try to sign a top receiver but not realistic without a QB.
7. Do not try to make a splash at the draft because it is in Pit. BPA in a position of need, and/or if you think next year is the year to get a QB, trade back and package picks for a move in 2027.

 

Well, we have 7 consecutive years of data points, that don't support this belief. You can't luck your way through the playoffs. You have to have something of substance that can catch fire at the right time.

I think you can rebuild and still try to win as many games as possible. I'd rather not make the playoffs than get humiliated and thrashed in the wildcard. Teams have shown that rookies can play. You don't need expensive veterans all over the place to compete.

 

There is no easy way to get a franchise QB.

A team has to get into the Top 10 picks to get at least a 50% chance of that QB being a franchise QB.

(Baltimore got lucky with Lamar)

So we either have to have a really bad record:

or trade 3 first round picks to move up.

Even then that only gets you a pick…not necessarily a sure thing franchise QB.

 

As The Athletic says, structural and operational changes are needed to stay ahead of the top teams.

"It’s no secret in NFL circles the Steelers remain antiquated in their approach to talent evaluation. There’s a reason the same organization that traditionally thrived on draft success has hit on fewer and fewer selections in the last decade. In addition to fielding one of the smaller coaching staffs in the league, the Steelers also remain behind their counterparts when it comes to scouting departments and the employment of analysts and the reliance on advanced statistics. Without a more modern approach to the structure of the organization, a new coach will struggle not only to maintain the level of success experienced under Tomlin but also to advance the Steelers further."

The Steelers may no longer be able to rely on a head coach that can coax more out of mediocre talent. Recent drafts are promising that Kahn/Weidl are on the right path. Really comes down to working smarter, not harder.

 

They were in a position to draft him.

Who did the Steelers draft the last time they had a decent 1st round draft and pick and what happened after that?

 

Jordan Love was pick #26
Jalen Hurts second round pick