Matt Freed, Post-Gazette Jerome Bettis dished out his opinion on next year's Steelers. Click photo for larger image. More Coverage: Bettis steps into role as football analyst

Jerome Bettis did not take long to dish out opinions in his new job as an NFL studio analyst for NBC-TV. Among his first targets were the Steelers.

During an NBC conference call yesterday from Turin, Italy, Bettis said free safety Chris Hope, about to become a free agent, is someone the Steelers "think maybe they can stand to lose ... because of the dollars he's going to command."

He said that will be an "area of concern because they don't have a viable backup for him."

Bettis said that for the Steelers to remain Super Bowl contenders next season they need depth for the offensive line.

"That's where they have some question marks," Bettis said.

One of them, he said, is whether Pro Bowl center Jeff Hartings will continue and for how long. He said the Steelers must groom someone if backup Chukky Okobi is not the person they want to start. Hartings will be asked to take a reduction in his compensation that includes a $4 million salary and a $750,000 signing bonus due by March 8.

Bettis said the Steelers need to shore up their defensive line and are "sorely in need of a young defensive end that can help them in that department."

That came as somewhat of a surprise because the Steelers believe backup Brett Keisel, who would become a free agent March 3, is that young defensive end and will make him a priority to re-sign. Bettis said he doesn't know what the future holds for starter Kimo von Oelhoffen, who becomes a free agent.

The Steelers must determine whether receiver Antwaan Randle El "is truly the No. 2 guy or if he's expendable," Bettis said.

"His punt returns offer him enough leverage to command what he's asking. That's going to be a different question and a choice they have to make."

Bettis, acknowledging the Steelers will have salary cap issues, said he does not believe they have enough depth to lose a lot of their free-agent starters. One spot he said can be filled capably is his own. Duce Staley, Bettis said, can become the backup to Willie Parker. Staley had knee surgery in August and dressed for only five games in the regular season.

"No question about it, he can still play," Bettis said. "He was put in a very, very difficult position this year. I will tell you, personally, how he responded."

Bettis said that Staley went to coach Bill Cowher during the season, after he was fully recovered from his knee surgery, and told him he was 100 percent but "if there is a question of who plays, I want Jerome to play because he's in his last year."

Bettis called Staley's action "a very, very unselfish approach."

"I believe he has a lot left in his tank," Bettis said. "He didn't have an opportunity to prove he could get it done. If he stays with the Pittsburgh Steelers, I think he'll be very, very valuable."

Bettis, who turned 34 Thursday, said he plans to at least keep a home in Pittsburgh, even if he does not live here all the time.