3 Steelers Veterans Fighting for Their Jobs Following NFL Draft

In the first half of the 2020 NFL season, the Pittsburgh Steelers looked like Super Bowl contenders after an 11-0 start. Unfortunately, they went 1-4 to end the season and quickly exited from the playoffs. Now that the 2021 NFL Draft is done, the Steelers turn their focus toward trying to have at least one more successful season in the Ben Roethlisberger era.

However, one thing that the Steelers do have to deal with is a cap space issue. The organization has already restructured contracts and release players, and more players could be out the door if Pittsburgh wants to continue saving money. This could mean if the newly drafted, cheaper players impress management, some of the more expensive veterans could be out the door.

With that being said, here are three Steelers veterans that could be fighting to keep their jobs following the 2021 NFL Draft.

3. Chukwuma Okorafor, Offensive Tackle

As it stands, Chukwuma Okorafor is one of the Steelers' starting tackles. However, the team did select Texas A&M's Dan Moore in the fourth round, so he could end up challenging Okorafor for the starting job. ESPN ranked Moore as the 12th-best tackle in the class, so it's likely the Steelers have high hopes for him. On the other hand, Okorafor recorded a mediocre 57.5 ProFootballFocus grade in 2020. If Moore impresses the Steelers right out of the gate, Okorafor's job could be in jeopardy.

2. Benny Snell, Running Back

Make no mistake: now that the Steelers have drafted Najee Harris, it's his backfield to lose. Benny Snell will likely be the team's backup, but for how long? He hasn't really impressed anyone through two seasons and his 3.6 career yards per carry leave a lot to be desired. Assuming Harris has a stranglehold on most of the touches, Snell could lose the backup job to Anthony McFarland. Even though he and Snell practically the same age, McFarland looked more impressive in the passing game last season. If he's able to improve on that in 2021, Snell could see an even smaller role.

1. Eric Ebron, Tight End

While Eric Ebron will likely be the Steelers' starting tight end in 2021, second-round pick Pat Freiermuth could be knocking on his door sooner than later. Considering the Steelers drafted Freiermuth 55th overall, they'll likely have a big role for him. After all, he was the Kwalick–Clark Tight End of the Year for a reason. Meanwhile, has had issues with dropped passes in the past and if those problems rear their head again, Freiermuth is in a prime position to steal the starter's job. It's also the final year of Ebron's contract, so it's his duty to impress the Steelers or else his job could be on the line.

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