The Pittsburgh Steelers made the playoffs for the second straight season in 2015, and despite multiple injuries to key players on their roster, they were able to make it to the divisional round of the playoffs.
The Steelers are considered one of the favorites in the AFC heading into the 2016 season and are looking to add some significant pieces to their roster in the upcoming 2016 NFL Draft. Pittsburgh's front office knows that there are multiple needs that have to be addressed this offseason, and none is likely more glaring then their secondary.
The Steelers have needs at both cornerback and safety heading into the 2016 season, and while injuries were clearly a factor last season, look for Pittsburgh to have plenty of corners and safeties on their big board heading into the draft. One player that has continued to stick out for the Steelers is Florida Gators safety Keanu Neal. "I've been told for the past week Keanu Neal is still in the conversation as the first round pick for the Pittsburgh Steelers," NFL draft analyst Tony Pauline said.
The hard-hitting Gators safety has drawn comparisons with New Orleans Saints safety Kenny Vaccaro and would make a strong fit at the back end of the Steelers defense. Pittsburgh gave up the third most passing yards in the NFL last season, and while injuries are responsible for some of the issues, the Steelers clearly miss a presence at the back-end of their defense.
The 2015 season was the first year the Steelers didn't have Troy Polamalu at the back-end of their defense, and even though the veteran safety was not the same player late in his career, his production and presence was clearly missed. While Neal doesn't compare with the former Steelers all-time great, he would provide an immediate presence and could start in Pittsburgh's secondary Week One.
"He looks like an NFL safety. Looks like he can run on tape and is exactly what you look for in run support," one NFC defensive backs coach said. "He's an athlete so I don't worry about his cover skills as long as his instincts are okay." In his junior season at Florida, Neal recorded 84 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks and an interception.
It's unknown how far the Gators safety will slide in the NFL draft, but Neal reportedly impressed teams with a "terrific position workout" at his Pro Day this past week. The Steelers are likely looking to bolster either their offensive line or secondary in the first round of the draft, and it wouldn't be a surprise if the Gators safety ended up being selected with the 25th pick.
