The Steelers once again seem to put together a very solid draft on paper;
Here is the BWG Analysis:
Round 1 (10): Devin Bush, ILB, Michigan
For the first time since 2003 the Steelers made a bold move and traded up to grab Bush. Bush is a stout athletic defender that will immediately pay dividends. He has great instincts and will be a three down linebacker. He also can help in the pass rush from the outside or in the gaps. In our analysis this was the biggest need the Steelers had and this is the perfectt casting for that need.
GRADE: Six Pack
Round 3 (66): Diontae Johnson, WR, Toledo
Every year the Steelers draft someone and it just doesn’t add up. (See Colin Holba) This is that pick, it felt like a huge reach and while he seems like a capable player and it would be foolish to second guess the Steelers on receiver talent, spending a third rounder on him seemed like a huge stretch. He will be in the slot and brings great speed to the offense. Smaller player, but plays bigger than his size, improved his hands in his Senior season. He also can be a return man if needed. His being drafted could spell the end of Eli Rogers or fan favorite Ryan Switzer.
GRADE: 2-Beers
Round 3 (83): Justin Layne, CB, Michigan State
The Steelers also find gems later in the draft and this could be one of them. Layne lacks elite speed but he was a steal at this number. He had a round two grade. He can play both man and zone coverage and plays as if he is a giant. He has mediocre hands despite being a converted wide receiver, he seems like an Ike Taylor clone! He is a cover three coordinators dream and will make immediate impact.
GRADE: 5-Beers
Round 4 (122): Benny Snell Jr., RB, Kentucky
This was a little bit of a reach as Snell lacks certain speed and explosiveness. The Steelers needed running back depth and Snell gives them that, He looks like a between the tackle, short yardage back, with one cut, downhill ability. He has good NFL genes being the nephew of NFL great Matt Snell. While he is limited he should compete for a roster spot and carve out a place in the running game.
GRADE: 3-Beers
Round 5 (141): Zach Gentry, TE, Michigan
This was a great pick. Scouts are torn on this guy and you can read a report praising him or condemning him. He graded out exactly where they grabbed him and he will compete for the spot vacated by Jesse James. He has monster intangibles like a whopping 34 1/8 catch radius and being a former quarterback a high football IQ. Has huge upside and is exactly what you are hoping for this late in the draft. He also fills some depth issues.
GRADE: 4-Beers
Round 6 (175): Sutton Smith, LB, Northern Illinois
A small school phenom who will need to really step it up to be a force in the pro game. He is a one trick pony (pass rusher) and will provide needed depth at the linebacker position. Getting after the quarterback is important and will have a chance to make the team.
GRADE: 2-Beers
Round 6 (192): Isaiah Buggs, DE, Alabama
This could be the steal of the draft. He is an ideal 3-4 end or could play in the middle on the nickel and dime. He has solid NFL quickness and strength. His conditioning is a question mark and probably hurt his draft stock. He graded out as a round three prospect and the Steelers nailed this pick! Will make an immediate impact and strengthens an already strong defensive line.
GRADE: 5-Beers
Round 6 (207): Ulysees Gilbert III, ILB, Akron
Nice speed and a productive tackler who was selected for his coverage skills. He has a high motor and will be a nice addition to the team. Strong upside prospect that can compete for a spot on the depth chart. His skills translate well to special teams and looks like a nice pick in this round.
GRADE: 3-Beers
Round 7 (219): Derwin Gray, OT, Maryland
A great value pick in this spot, he will provide depth and compete for a backup role. Has the skills to compete against undrafted free agents and last years picks. He graded out as a fifth round pick and has size that scouts want. This was a good grab in the seventh and he will play somewhere in the NFL in 2019.
GRADE: 4-Beers
OVERALL DRAFT GRADE: ALMOST FULL CASE (A-)