Going into the 2016 offseason, the Steelers draft needs were clear. They needed a strong safety to play alongside veteran Mike Mitchell, a defensive lineman to play nose tackle, a substitution at defensive end in nickel formations, as well as a lock-down cornerback to help stabilize the secondary.

To no surprise these positions were all addressed in the first 3 rounds (Hargrave can play each technique, so he “killed” two birds with one stone, as they say).

Going into the 2017 draft, the Steelers needs aren’t as clear. The need to draft a first round outside linebacker is nearly unanimous, but there is no agreed upon need after that.

With no other holes in the starting lineup, the Steelers could revert back to their old strategy of drafting future starters to replace players who’s contracts will be up soon. In recent years they have done this Cam Heyward and Stephon Tuitt (replacing Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel) and the results have been positive.

Here are 3 players who’s contracts are up in 2 years… and could see their replacement drafted this year…

Mike Mitchell

Free agent in 2019

When Mike Mitchell came into town, many like myself had no idea who he was. During his first year he left a bad taste in many people’s mouths, appearing to be a liability in our secondary, and making everyone question why we chose to sign him.

Fast forward to now, and Mitchell is a staple in our secondary. He’s fully in-sync with the defense, and brings a hard-hitting presence, plus tons of energy to the unit.

With Mitchell now in his prime, it’s jarring to think his contract is over half way completed. When Mitchell’s contract expires in 2019, he will be 31-years old. Troy Polamalu was 33-years old when he retired, but at that time, his quality of play had clearly dropped.

Mitchell has yet to show signs of decline; if that continues, he could certainly receive an extension.

The 2017 draft has depth at the safety position. The Steelers could target Mitchell’s replacement in rounds 2 or 3, and groom a future starter.

Also, having a quality back-up at safety would bring a lot of value. We saw Robert Golden get exposed during the AFC Championship Game when he blew his assignment, and gave up a touchdown. Golden, and another back-up, Jordan Dangerfield are decent players, but fit more as a box safeties. They lack the versatility to be a quality back-up.

A draft pick could correct that issue.

William Gay

Free agent in 2019

William Gay has been a stable piece in this secondary for years. While unreliable players like Antwon Blake and Brice McCain had fans pulling out their hair, Gay had been a player we could always rely on.

While Gay played well in 2016, he is the only player on this list who appears to be declining. Yes, he graded well with Pro Football Focus, but watching him play, you can see he’s lost a step. I also feel he is the only player on this list who may not finish his contract. If Gay’s decline continues significantly into the 2017 season, he could be a cap casualty in 2018.

Cornerback is one of the deepest positions in the 2017 draft, so drafting Gay’s replacement is a certain possibility. With a deep draft class, the Steelers could have a talented, versatile cornerback fall to them in rounds 2-4.

Yes, Senquez Golson is still on the roster and could inherit Gay’s role, but his injuries make him a player that is hard to trust.

Ramon Foster

Free agent in 2019

Foster’s career has been an odd one. Most non-quarterback players don’t have their best season at 31 years of age. However, Foster managed to play the best football of his career in 2016; proven by him being ranked as the 32nd best player of the season by Pro Football Focus.

Though the Steelers could draft a guard to provide depth, and groom a future starter, there is no need for one at this time. Foster’s replacements have been tendered (Chris Hubbard) or are already under contract (B.J. Finney).

Hubbard, who can play every position on the line, started 3 games in 2016 at tackle, playing extremely well in his limited time.

Finney was the starting left guard in Buffalo when Bell had his record day of 298 yards from scrimmage. Like Foster, Finney was also an undrafted free agent, and a very fitting replacement.

The only scenario I could see where the Steelers take a guard, is if a talented player falls to them at some point. Still though, this scenario seems highly unlikely, with the team having taken Jerald Hawkins in last year’s draft as well. They are well-stocked with depth at the position, which Foster isn’t looking to cede anytime soon.