NFL Draft 2017 preview: Pittsburgh Steelers' top needs, pick predictions

This is one in a series that covers each team, offering viewers information for homework, suggestions and then the opportunity to make a draft pick.

When the NFL Draft begins selections in Philadelphia April 27, the Pittsburgh Steelers have the No. 30 pick in the first round.

Here is an in-depth look at the team's needs, offseason changes, potential best fit and the selections by NFLDraftScout.com's experts.

Who would you pick and why?

Top five needs

1. Outside linebacker: The Steelers return James Harrison and Bud Dupree as starters, but Harrison is turning 39 later this spring and the front office has to find his long-term replacement as well as a player capable of spelling him next season. The Steelers recorded 38 sacks last season, but they need a more consistent pass rush, especially from the edge. Harrison led the outside linebackers with five sacks last season.

2. Cornerback: The Steelers signed Coty Sensabaugh to a two-year contract to bolster a position group that has to be upgraded, but that free-agent signing won't prevent the Steelers from drafting a cornerback high in the draft. The Steelers want to play more man coverage and need another talented player to pair with Artie Burns, last year's first-round pick. The Steelers have improved their pass defense the past two seasons, but they remain middle-of-the-pack when it comes to pass defense statistics.

3. Wide receiver: The Steelers are expecting Martavis Bryant to return after missing the 2016 season on a drug suspension, but they can't enter another season without a competent backup plan if Bryant has another failed drug test. After a season-ending injury to Markus Wheaton, who has since moved on in free agency, and nagging injuries that hampered the production of Sammie Coates, the Steelers will seek another playmaker in the draft that can help the Steelers if something happens to Bryant.

4. Running back: Le'Veon Bell will play on the franchise tag in 2017 if the Steelers don't sign him to a long-term deal by July 15. They need a strong backup behind him because DeAngelo Williams is not expected to return after spending the past two seasons in that role. He'll turn 34 two days before the draft, and the Steelers want to get younger at the position. They accomplished that in part by signing Knile Davis, 25, to a one-year free-agent deal, but they still need another young back to help relieve Bell's workload.

5. Safety: The Steelers could select a safety to groom as a replacement for Mike Mitchell, who has two years left on his contract. And the way the NFL is today the Steelers could use that player in nickel and dime defenses, especially since new inside linebacker Vince Williams is likely to be taken off the field on passing downs.

BEST FIT

Carl Lawson, OLB, Auburn. The Steelers need an eventual replacement for James Harrison as well as a player who is capable of spelling the soon-to-be 39-year old veteran next season. Lawson can help on both fronts. Injuries are a concern as he missed significant time at Auburn with knee and hip injuries. But when he was healthy last season, Lawson registered 9.5 sacks and was a dominant force in the SEC. Lawson won't be under pressure to start as a rookie, but the Steelers can find ways to make him a part of their pass rush in passing situations.

PREDICTION

Rob Rang: Jabrill Peppers, S, Michigan. Due in part to the flashy play of rookies Artie Burns and Sean Davis, the Steelers made strides in the secondary last season. More help is needed, however. Asked to play all over the field at Michigan, Peppers is a polarizing prospect in the scouting community, but his instincts, aggression and terrific open-field tackling might remind general manager Kevin Colbert of former Steelers' great Troy Polamalu.

Dane Brugler: Jabrill Peppers, S, Michigan. Pittsburgh hasn't been able to properly replace the hole left by Troy Polamalu at strong safety and although Peppers isn't on that level, he has an intriguing blend of athleticism and physicality.

Pat Kirwan: Tim Williams, linebacker, Alabama.

Frank Cooney, IMO: In 2009, Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis over-drafted WR Darius Heyward-Bey (No. 9 overall) and safety Mike Mitchell (No. 47 overall) as he sought the second coming of WR Cliff Branch and S Jack Tatum, both of whom belong in the Hall of Fame. I wonder what Al would think about both Heyward-Bey and Mitchell being Steelers and never confused with Branch or Tatum. Anyway, Mitchell is almost out of hard hits and isn't great in coverage, so Pittsburgh should get Michigan safety Jabrill Peppers.... and the HOF should induct Branch and Tatum.

OK, it's your turn. Tell us in the comments section who you would pick and why. Check out top 1,000 players rated by NFLDraftScout.com, including combine and pro day workouts, biographies, scouting reports.

Frank Cooney, founder and publisher of The Sports Xchange and NFLDraftScout.com, is in his sixth decade covering football and 25th year on the Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee.