Could the Steelers double-dip at positions of need?

When looking at the Steelers roster in preparation for the NFL draft, 2 primary holes stand out: cornerback and edge rusher.

Yes, the Steelers could use some depth at running back and inside linebacker, but those positions have clear starters and should not be the priority. Because of the lack of holes on this roster, the Steelers may consider double-dipping at cornerback and/or an edge rusher in the NFL draft.

Double-dipping is something that’s happened a surprising amount in the Tomlin-era. Here is a full list of all the instances of drafting 2 players of the same position. We’ll be detailing each in their own individual articles, but for now here’s a brief look at each:

• In the 2015 NFL draft, the Steelers selected 2 cornerbacks: Senquez Golson and Doran Grant.
• In the 2014 NFL draft, the Steelers selected 2 inside linebacker: Ryan Shazier and Jordan Zumwalt.
• In the 2013 draft, the Steelers selected 2 wide receivers: Markus Wheaton and Justin Brown.
• In the 2012 draft, the Steelers selected 2 offensive tackles: Mike Adams and Kelvin Beachum.
• In the 2011 draft, the Steelers selected 2 cornerbacks: Curtis Brown and Cortez Allen.
• In the 2010 draft, the Steelers selected 2 edge rushers: Jason Worilds and Thaddeus Gibson.
• In the 2010 draft, the Steelers also selected 2 wide receivers: Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown.
• In the 2009 draft, the Steelers selected 2 cornerbacks: Keenan Lewis and Joe Burnett.

The Steelers have double-dipped at a position in every draft during the Tomlin-era except for the 2016 draft. However, during the 2016 draft, the Steelers had fewer picks than normal, having traded their 5th round pick for Brandon Boykin and their 6th round pick for Josh Scobee.

The Steelers trend of double-dipping is pretty apparent. It shows when the Steelers have needs on their roster they are not afraid to double-down in investing in that position.

In most years when the Steelers draft two players of the same position, that position is among the highest number of pre-draft visits. Looking forward to the 2017 NFL draft, the Steelers will likely double-dip at a position if history is any indication. As of writing this, the Steelers top visited position is edge rusher. It is also the position in which they’ve interviewed the most players during the various other offseason activities (such as the Scouting Combine). This makes sense given the current depth at the position.

The current starters at outside linebacker are Bud Dupree and James Harrison. While Harrison is a force and still playing great, his age (38) cannot be ignored. His heir must be drafted soon. The Steelers thought they drafted his successor when they selected Jarvis Jones in the 2013 draft, but he never lived up to expectations and is now with the Arizona Cardinals. Selecting a player to develop behind Harrison is a must.

The Steelers also have some expendable outside linebackers in Arthur Moats and Anthony Chickillo. While both have played admirably during their time in Pittsburgh and are valuable, neither are essential to the team and could be cut for a player with greater potential.

Cornerback is still a possibility, but given the Steelers depth at the position, it doesn’t seem as likely. Currently, the depth chart consists of Artie Burns, Ross Cockrell, William Gay, Senquez Golson, and Coty Sensabaugh. The Steelers have kept six cornerbacks before and could do that this year if they a select another in the draft.

If players are cut, Gay and Golson seem to be the likely candidates. Gay has been a reliable presence in the Steelers secondary for years, but is getting older and has lost a step. Golson is a recent draft selection, but has been injured for two consecutive years; given another injury or if the injuries hindered his skill, he could be cut.

The Steelers have a clear history of double-dipping in the Tomlin-era. When there are holes on the roster, they take the initiative to fill in the gaps. While the success varies, it’s a clear trend.

Keep an eye over the next few weeks for articles detailing each double-dip during the Tomlin-era.