June 3, 2008

Mission accomplished: The Steelers built for the future this offseason. They accomplished their primary offseason goal by signing QB Ben Roethlisberger to an eight-year, $102 million deal. The Steelers were not very active in free agency, but they drafted RB Rashard Mendenhall and WR Limas Sweed, two of the most well-regarded players at their positions. They won’t start in 2008, but both could be key parts of the offense in years to come.

Unfinished business: The Steelers lost OLG Alan Faneca — one of the best players at his position in the NFL — to the Jets. The effect on the offensive line could be tremendous. Considering the way Roethlisberger was forced to flee collapsing pockets last season, this is not a positive development. Another position group to watch: the play of the defensive line, which is not especially deep (and the depth was not addressed via the draft). Advancing age is a concern with this group.