The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offseason has begun. The focus on the draft here at Still Curtain is full speed ahead and with that, I bring you the Film Room series covering a new prospect at a position of need for the Steelers every time.

The Pittsburgh Steelers still need some work on the defensive side of the ball. With Mike Mitchell and William Gay set to possibly be veteran cap casualties, the Steelers could look at safeties early in the draft.

Pittsburgh got a couple good years out of Mike Mitchell after signing him in 2014. His injuries and age have seemingly caught up with him as his play has sharply declined as of late.

With Sean Davis, J.J. Wilcox, and Robert Golden the only other safeties on the roster, Pittsburgh could look to add one this offseason. Wilcox could also be a cap casualty if he does not restructure his current deal.

This would leave the team with Davis and Golden. Davis is a starter entering his third year but he would need a running mate. Robert Golden cannot carry the load of full-time starter in the NFL.

Pittsburgh’s defense needs to continue the infusion of speed, especially in the secondary. They also need pass coverage heavy defenders as their pass defense has been up and down the last few seasons.

Texas safety DeShon Elliott is one of the drafts better safety prospects in 2018. Hailing from Texas, he displays good coverage skills and excellent tackling form in run support.

Pittsburgh could use a young safety to pair with Davis to help continue the build of a new era in Pittsburgh. No one will ever fill the shoes of Troy Polamalu, but they need playmakers to step up and bring the defense back to its top-of-the-league form.

Profile

Name: DeShon Elliott

School: Texas

Position: Safety

Height: 6 ft. 2 in. Weight: 210 pounds

Games Watched

Texas vs Iowa State – 6 total tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack, 2 INT, 1 pass defensed

Oklahoma State vs Texas – 2 total tackles, 0.5 TFL, 1 fumble recovery, 1 forced fumble

Texas vs USC – 7 total tackles, 1 TFL, 2 INT, 1 TD, 2 passes defensed