Steelers 25th in Skill-Position Rankings: A Need for Offensive Clarity?

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been ranked 25th in Sports Illustrated 's 2024 NFL skill-position rankings, as detailed by Matt Verderame, sparking discussions about the team's offensive depth and potential strategies for improvement. As Week 1 approaches, Pittsburgh's ranking reflects a mix of proven talents and lingering uncertainties on offense.

As Verderame points out, the Steelers have been actively pursuing additional receiving talent, specifically targeting Brandon Aiyuk to bolster a group that, outside of standout receiver George Pickens , remains thin. Pickens, who hauled in 63 catches for 1,140 yards and five touchdowns last year, is expected to continue as a central figure. However, with Diontae Johnson’s departure, there is a notable gap in the receiving corps that rookie Roman Wilson might need to fill sooner than anticipated.

Running back Jaylen Warren is another focal point of the Steelers' current roster construction. At 25, Warren seems poised to leapfrog Najee Harris in the backfield pecking order. With Pittsburgh declining Harris's fifth-year option, Warren, who produced 784 rushing yards at 5.3 yards per carry and added 61 receptions in 2023, could take on a larger role. His performance will be critical, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Harris's future with the team.

The quarterback situation also remains fluid. Head coach Mike Tomlin has named Russell Wilson as the starter for Week 1, a decision that appears more about finding stability than setting the offense alight. With Wilson past his prime, the focus may soon shift to Justin Fields if the veteran struggles early in the season. New offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's approach will likely emphasize the ground game, leveraging Wilson's experience or eventually transitioning to Fields' mobility.

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As the Steelers prepare for a challenging season, the question remains whether the team can improve its offensive cohesion and capitalize on its core talents. With new faces and shifting roles, Pittsburgh fans will be watching closely to see if this unit can outperform its ranking and emerge as a surprise contender in the AFC.