Steelers Prepare for Major Roster Overhaul: Teryl Austin and Omar Khan Target Senior Bowl Prospects
As the NFL offseason heats up, the Pittsburgh Steelers are already laying the groundwork for a transformative 2025 season. General Manager Omar Khan and Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin are at the forefront of the team’s efforts to identify and address critical roster needs. Their latest stop? The 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl, a key scouting event where top collegiate talent showcases their skills ahead of the NFL Draft.
The Steelers, fresh off a solid but unspectacular season, are intent on strengthening their roster to compete in the ever-competitive AFC North. By focusing on key positional gaps and evaluating high-potential prospects, Khan and Austin aim to set the team up for long-term success.
Entering the offseason, the Steelers have a few glaring areas of concern. The offensive line, while improved in recent years, still lacks the consistency needed to dominate in both pass protection and run blocking. Quarterback Kenny Pickett, entering his third season, has shown flashes of brilliance, but his development hinges on a more reliable offensive line.
Defensively, Pittsburgh has long been known for its stout units, but injuries and age have exposed vulnerabilities in the secondary and along the defensive front. With veterans like Cameron Heyward nearing the twilight of their careers, the team must prioritize injecting youth and athleticism into these key areas.
Additionally, wide receiver depth remains a question mark. Although George Pickens has emerged as a star, the Steelers need complementary playmakers to ensure their passing attack can thrive against elite defenses.
The Senior Bowl, held annually in Mobile, Alabama, offers NFL decision-makers a unique chance to observe top college seniors in action. Unlike the NFL Combine, which emphasizes testing and drills, the Senior Bowl focuses on real football scenarios. One-on-one matchups, live practices, and a full-game environment allow evaluators to see how prospects fare against high-level competition.
For the Steelers, this event is particularly valuable. Pittsburgh has historically built its roster through smart drafting, prioritizing players who fit their system and culture. The Senior Bowl’s environment offers Khan and Austin a firsthand look at how players handle coaching, adapt to new schemes, and compete under pressure.
Several players at this year’s Senior Bowl have reportedly caught Pittsburgh’s attention. On the offensive line, tackles like Graham Barton (Duke) and Kingsley Suamataia (BYU) are potential game-changers who could provide Pickett with the protection he needs. Both players bring a blend of athleticism and technique that would suit Pittsburgh’s evolving offensive scheme.
In the defensive secondary, cornerbacks such as Kalen King (Penn State) and Darius Rush (South Carolina) are under the microscope. Both players have the size, speed, and ball skills to match up with the NFL’s top receivers, filling a critical need in the Steelers’ defense.
The defensive front is another area of focus, with players like Tyleik Williams (Ohio State) and Jer’Zhan Newton (Illinois) emerging as intriguing options. Both have the potential to anchor the Steelers’ line for years to come, ensuring the team maintains its reputation for defensive excellence.
Finally, wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State), while not at the Senior Bowl due to his underclassman status, remains a coveted prospect for the Steelers. While unlikely to fall to Pittsburgh’s projected draft position, the team could explore trade-up scenarios if they view him as a transformational talent.
Omar Khan, in his second full offseason as general manager, has already demonstrated a knack for savvy moves. From shrewd draft-day trades to cap-friendly contract restructures, Khan has positioned the Steelers as a team capable of both immediate and sustainable success.
Meanwhile, Teryl Austin brings a defensive mindset that perfectly complements Khan’s strategic approach. Austin’s emphasis on versatility and aggression aligns with Pittsburgh’s defensive philosophy, making him an integral part of the scouting and evaluation process. Together, the duo’s synergy could lead to one of the Steelers’ most impactful offseasons in recent memory.
While the Senior Bowl is only one step in the Steelers’ offseason journey, it serves as a critical foundation for their plans. With free agency and the NFL Draft on the horizon, Pittsburgh has the opportunity to address their roster’s weaknesses and build on their strengths.
For Steelers fans, the moves made over the coming months could be the difference between another playoff push and a legitimate shot at the Super Bowl. With Khan and Austin at the helm, there’s reason to believe the Steelers are setting the stage for something special.
