The Steelers finished Saturday’s round with four very solid prospects that can contribute. They filled depth needs and added some help on special teams: Here is our take on the Steelers haul:
124. Anthony McFarland, RB, Maryland: The Steelers addressed a need, adding running back depth, it also looks like James Conner will get one more shot at being the starter. McFarland brings speed and one cut quickness. He should also contribute on special teams. The best ability is availability and if he stays healthy will be a great addition.
135. Kevin Dotson, G, Louisiana: This was my favorite pick of the draft and the Steelers grabbed some much needed help on the offensive line. With all the interior lineman being over 30, the Steelers needed to make an investment here. He had a Round 2 grade and is arguably the best run blocker in the draft. Give bonus points because he is a lifelong Steelers fan!
198. Antoine Brooks, Jr., Safety: Maryland: This was another classic Steelers pick, Brooks is a “tweener” defender who will play LB in the nickel but can slide to free safety or slot cornerback depending on match up needs. He will be a special teams ace and was a great value pick given his position in the draft.
232. Carlos Davis, DT, Nebraska: Given his natural size and athletic upside this was a good grab for the last pick of the draft. Davis, crushed the combine and is a classic defensive line space eater. With Javon Hargrave leaving and Mt. McCullers being unsettled, this could be a steal and he can push for an immediate spot on the team.
The Steelers also grabbed 10-undrafted Free Agents, here is a blurb on all of them-
- Spencer Nigh, FB, Auburn – Long shot to make the team, will be a camp body.
- Christian Montano, G, Tulane – Will add depth and youth.
- Trajan Bandy, CB, Miami – lacks size but could contribute on special teams.
- James Pierre, CB, Florida Atlantic – Good size and speed.
- James Lockhart, LB Baylor – a 3-4 Outside Linebacker, could be a sleeper
- Leo Lewis, LB, Mississippi State – Good pedigree.
- John Houston, LB, Southern California – Versatile prospect and the best of the three UDFA
- Josiah Coatney, DT, Mississippi – Could move around the D-line as a 3-4 end
- Calvin Taylor, DT, Kentucky – Brings tremendous size to a position that needs help.
- Corliss Waitman, P, South Alabama/Mississippi State- Will compete for a roster spot
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Having no first round pick since 1967, the Steelers picked yesterday for the first time in the 2020 draft.
The Steelers passed on specific need and grabbed two high ceiling skilled propsects:
Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame – A big physical receiver who ran a 4.42 40 at the combine. Has good hands and can be a crushing blocker. It was a strange pick because of the time, but given his size and versatility, he will contribute early.
Alex Highsmith, Edge, Charlotte – This was a classic Steelers pick. He will replace Anthony Chickillo in the Steelers defense as a situational pass rusher and he fits that 3-4 outside linebacker mode. He is strong on technique and athleticism and has a complete skill set to play in the NFL.
It was a good haul, if unspectacular. The downside is they didn’t address any specific needs, like CB, Offensive line depth and a Running back.
The Running Back market looks thin on Day 3 as you would expect, there are still some nice looking tackles and o-linemen available, Cornerback can still be a place to make a move.
BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!
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If you were hoping to see what happened to Sonny Weaver Jr….you are reading the wrong blog! So it was a weird day on many levels, but the Steelers having no 1st round picks, was by far the strangest part of the draft for me.
The Steelers get on the board today and don’t be surprised if they move around a little bit, to stock pile some picks. When looking back over the last years, here is a look at some of the highlights from Round 3 since 2010.
Year |
Player |
Pos |
Rating |
Comment |
2019 |
Diontae Johnson |
WR |
Inc |
Too Early to tell athough was the best receiver last year |
2019 |
Justin Layne |
CB |
Inc |
Too Early to tell, he has the tools, needs a chance |
2018 |
Mason Rudolph |
QB |
C+ |
Was playing well until the concussion, absolutely can play in this league |
2018 |
Chuks Okorafor |
T |
Inc |
Has shown a great upside |
2017 |
Cameron Sutton |
CB |
Inc |
Has had limited exposure |
2017 |
James Conner |
RB |
B- |
Would have been an A but has trouble staying on the field |
2016 |
Javon Hargrave |
DT |
B+ |
Did a great job during his tenure, he will be missed |
2015 |
Sammie Coates |
WR |
C |
Took the lid off the defense, but a broken hand derailed his tenure and is now XFL alumni |
2014 |
Dri Archer |
RB |
F |
Never made an impact despite world class talent |
2013 |
Markus Wheaton |
WR |
C+ |
Was a good contributor while in the Burgh |
2012 |
Sean Spence |
RB |
Inc |
What might have been, |
2011 |
Curtis Brown |
CB |
F |
Never materialized |
2010 |
Emmanuel Sanders |
WR |
A |
Great contributor, who is still in the league |
It is sort of a mixed bag of picks. The last two years will determine, how successful this was.
Tomorrow we will highlight the rest! Also will post the pick and the scouting report of any of the Steelers picks!
BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!
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Beer We Go Nation, It is easy to be caught up in the malaise right now, with COVID-19 and no 1st-Round Pick, but Draft Day is a very special day for the Steelers. The Steelers need a big draft this time around and have to address some needs. Where the Steelers have made their mark, isn’t in the 1st Round, it is the diamonds in 2-5 where they make their mark!
This morning Bleacher Report had an article about the Steelers biggest draft bust; Huey Richardson, who was the last 1st Rounder of the Chuck Noll Era. It was a bust and Richardson was out within a year(trade for a pick that turned into Jeff Zgonina). What the article didn’t write was who else went in that draft. The Steelers grabbed Jeff Graham and Ernie Mills both of whom anchored the receiving core for over five years, Leroy Thompson and Adrian Cooper, both were serviceable and solid backups. While that isn’t a great draft class, the Steelers made something out of it.
Here is a look at the last ten years 1st Round Pick, it is underrated, so not having a first rounder is going to be tough, but not fatal as you will see what Round 2 held.
Year |
Player |
Pos |
Rating |
Comment |
2019 |
Devin Bush |
ILB |
Inc |
Too Early to tell although he looks like the real deal |
2018 |
Terrell Edmunds |
S |
Inc |
Has shown flashes of brilliance but needs a bigger body of work |
2017 |
T.J. Watt |
LB |
A+ |
The new face of the franchise! |
2016 |
Artie Burns |
CB |
D |
Only reason this isn’t an F is his early contributions were promising |
2015 |
Bud Dupree |
LB |
B+ |
This would have been a C last year, but came into his own finally |
2014 |
Ryan Shazier |
LB |
A |
No matter how this ends, he was a word class talent and still is missed |
2013 |
Jarvis Jones |
LB |
F |
A total bust and absolute disappointment |
2012 |
David DeCastro |
G |
A+ |
Already making his case for Canton |
2011 |
Cameron Heyward |
DE |
A |
The Anchor of the defense |
2010 |
Maurkice Pouncey |
C |
A |
In the argument as the best Center in Football |
Here is the good news, the Steelers have made some big moves in Rounds 2:
Year |
Player |
Pos |
Rating |
Comment |
2019 |
NO PICK |
|
|
|
2018 |
James Washington |
WR |
Inc |
His best football is ahead of him, this is the make or break year |
2017 |
JuJu Smith-Schuster |
WR |
A |
Last year aside he has been a great addition and a key player |
2016 |
Sean Davis |
S |
C |
His early body of work, was solid, but injuries derailed a promising career. |
2015 |
Senquez Golson |
CB |
F |
Injuries derailed him and he never contributed |
2014 |
Stephon Tuitt |
DE |
A |
Part of the Dynamic Duo, when healthy he is a force |
2013 |
Le’Veon Bell |
RB |
A |
No matter how this ended, he was a top five RB in the league while in the Burgh |
2012 |
Mike Adams |
G |
F |
Total disappointment and a total bust |
2011 |
Marcus Gilbert |
T |
B+ |
Started at RT for almost his whole tenure, solid performer! |
2010 |
Jason Worilds |
LB |
B- |
Was a contributor during his starting tenure and registered 25.5 Sacks in five years |
ROUND 2 Will hit on the Steelers big wins in the later rounds tomorrow!
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