The Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to extend franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's contract this offseason, but that's enough of a sure thing that it doesn't even make our list of the Steelers' top offseason priorities.
Instead, most of the team's focus this offseason needs to be on improving its defense, which struggled mightily this season. Following the Steelers' home loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the playoffs, here is a look at what they need to take care of this offseason:
1. Use a premium draft pick on a cornerback
Pittsburgh uses a mid-round draft pick on a corner in almost every draft. Sometimes it works out and the player develops in the Steelers' system, and sometimes it doesn't. This approach has worked very well for years, but Pittsburgh is so weak at this position right now and the NFL has evolved into such a passing league that the Steelers need to break with past habits and take a top-level talent at cornerback early in the draft.