A closer look at the positions the Pittsburgh Steelers could target at the NFL combine in Indianapolis:

Positions of need: The Steelers prefer the best-player-available model but have opted for need the past several years to rebuild an aging defense. Outside linebacker is still an issue after free agent Jarvis Jones' struggles, leaving Bud Dupree as the only solidified starter under contract for 2017. An injection of speed off the edge would elevate an already solid defense. Similar to cornerback, pass-rushers are a position that teams can't overdraft. The Steelers will keep that in mind regarding both positions. Pittsburgh's secondary might still be one press-man cornerback away. On offense, Ben Roethlisberger needs more options in the passing game after the Steelers failed to properly complement Antonio Brown and Le'Veon Bell in 2016. The uncertainty surrounding Ladarius Green gives the Steelers reason to dig into a deep tight end class. Don't be surprised if the Steelers seek reinforcements in other offensive areas, such as a change-of-pace running back behind Bell, a backup quarterback or a lanky deep threat similar to what suspended receiver Martavis Bryant offered in the 2015 draft.

Three players the Steelers could focus on at combine:

David Njoku (TE), Miami: Assuming Alabama's O.J. Howard is gone by the Steelers' 30^th pick, Njoku could be an attractive first-round option if he's available. Njoku follows a long line of successful tight ends from Miami, a list that includes Jimmy Graham, Greg Olsen and Jeremy Shockey. Njoku's long arms, adequate size (6-foot-4, 245 pounds) and pedigree as a successful high school high-jumper would fit well into the Steelers' up-the-seam passing game. The Steelers can find tight end value outside the first round if they decide to wait.

Takkarist McKinley (DE/OLB), UCLA: The All-Pac-12 performer has the kind of relentless motor the Steelers covet. McKinley's refusal to give up on plays is a trait the Steelers identified in starting defensive ends Cam Heyward and Stephon Tuitt. McKinley is considered raw with his pass-rushing technique, but the athleticism is there (he ran the 100 meters in 10.71 seconds in high school), and he finished his senior season with 10 sacks and 18 tackles for loss. With the top pass-rushers likely off the board by the 30^th pick, McKinley could have the most upside, similar to the Dupree pick two years ago.

Jabrill Peppers (S), Michigan: Peppers was a do-it-all star at Michigan and will be a perplexing prospect, as teams appear undecided on his true position in the NFL. At 6-foot-1, 207 pounds, he is billed as a hybrid safety/linebacker, which could earn him favor with a creative playcaller, but not so much with a rigid one. Defensive coordinator Keith Butler has spoken in the past about his affinity for versatile players who can defend the run or the pass with quickness. Recent picks Ryan Shazier and Sean Davis fit that mold. Perhaps Peppers is next. There's no questioning his dynamic playmaking.