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

Positions of need: This process starts with inside linebacker, where the Steelers were depleted last season after a severe spinal injury to Ryan Shazier and a shoulder injury to backup Tyler Matakevich. The Steelers will have options here and should capitalize on them. Vince Williams is the only returner with starting experience. Replicating Shazier's talent is an arduous task, but finding a rangy, sideline-to-sideline linebacker in the first few rounds seems attainable. The secondary once again is an issue. Getting a young safety to pair with Sean Davis is on the agenda. A stout interior offensive lineman is in order, maybe a change-of-pace running back. Otherwise, Pittsburgh returns most of its starters, providing flexibility to seek the best available players instead of plugging in needs.

Three players the Steelers should focus on at the combine:

• Rashaan Evans, inside linebacker, Alabama: Georgia's Roquan Smith might be a better fit because of his raw speed, but he'll likely be off the board by the 28th pick. If Evans is available, his pass rushing (15 sacks in college) would give coordinator Keith Butler another effective blitzer. He can stop the run and has ideal size at 6-foot-3, 234 pounds. Boise State's Leighton Vander Esch is another option here. The Steelers drafted two outside linebackers from the SEC -- Georgia's Jarvis Jones and Kentucky's Bud Dupree -- in 2013 and 2015, respectively.

• Billy Price, guard/center, Ohio State: The Steelers' offensive line depth takes a hit with Chris Hubbard likely leaving in free agency, and starting guard Ramon Foster has one year left on his deal. Adding a high-pedigree talent to a veteran line seems timely. Price is fun to watch and reminds some of Maurkice Pouncey with his nasty demeanor and powerful hands.

• Quin Blanding, safety, Virginia: The Steelers could use a playmaking safety who can help control the back end and support the run. Blanding is a productive four-year starter who finished his UVa career with 10 interceptions and a second-team All-America honor. Starter Mike Mitchell's $5 million cap hit complicates his future. Even if he returns, the Steelers need more depth at this spot.