Pittsburgh Steelers: 2021 NFL Draft replacements for retired players

This offseason many fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers thought Ben Roethlisberger might hang up the pads and call it a career in Pittsburgh. Although Ben’s future is still in question, it is expected that we will see Roethlisberger throwing the pigskin in Pittsburgh next year. While it is trending that Big Ben will be suiting up in the black and yellow this season, there are two Steelers who decided to stop their professional career this off-season.

First, a beloved member of the Steel Curtain’s offensive line called it quits this off-season. Maurkice Pouncey has gone into retirement after a strong 10-year career. Pouncey was a first-round draft choice by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2010 and has become a beloved individual in the community.

In Pouncey’s career with the Steelers, he went to nine Pro Bowls, was an All-Pro selection twice, was a part of the All-Decade Team for the 2010s, and never missed a start for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Number 53 will undoubtedly be missed in the Steel City next season.

The other Steeler who will not run onto the field this season is tight end, Vance McDonald. McDonald was traded to the Steelers from the 49ers prior to the 2017 season and has been a nice piece for them ever since.

McDonald was a Walter Peyton Man of the Year candidate in his time in Pittsburgh and was a nice safety blanket for Ben during his time there. Now, who are we gonna see replace these guys next season? Here are two options that the Pittsburgh Steelers could draft in the 2021 NFL Draft to fill those holes.