Pick 49 – Chase Claypool WR, Notre Dame – Grade B-
I understand that the Steelers want depth in the injury-stricken receiving core, but we have a crisis here. Ben Roethlisberger is not Big Ben anymore. He has been injured and probably only has a few more years ahead of him. Mason Rudolph and Delvin Hodges have got their chances, its time to move on. Jalen Hurts is a boom or bust type of player, and this is the time for Pittsburgh to take a risk. If it doesn’t work, you have a strong QB class next year led by Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields. If the Steelers wanted a safer option, I would have gone with J.K. Dobbins from Ohio State. He’s a big, physical guy who could give the Steelers a bruising run game when combined with James Conner.
Pick 102 – Alex Highsmith OLB, Charlotte – Grade A
I was initially confused about this pick, but now it makes sense. The Steelers are going back to the ’70s and playing physical, smashmouth football; the linebacker core will be scary good with Watt, Bush, Williams, and now Highsmith. Combine that with an offense of Juju-Smith-Shuster, Vance McDonald, and James Conner, this could be a Steeler team that really wears you down. I would have maybe looked at Jacob Eason, or one of the D-linemen in the draft.
Pick 124 – Anthony McFarland RB, Maryland – Grade A-
I absolutely love this pick, McFarland is an absolute steal at this point of the draft. He does have some injury concerns, which do worry me, but when I look at the upside, this is an excellent pick. McFarland has the potential to be a Chris Johnson-like player. He will be an excellent complement to James Conner. The other prospect I would have considered is the Nigerian O-lineman from Auburn, Prince Tega Wanogho, who is an outstanding player.
Pick 135 – Kevin Dotson G, Nebraska – Grade C+
This pick might be more necessity than talent, but Dotson has a chance to be a starter very soon. This could be a situation similar to what the Steelers did with Chucks Okorafor. He will be a backup for the first season or two and will presumably see his snaps go way up if Stefen Wisniewski is having a difficult time. However, I think that Prince Tega Wanogho should have gotten a call here.
Pick 198 – Antonie Brooks Jr SS, Maryland – Grade B-
Another pick where I see more necessity than talent, but Jennings is a reliable backup at the safety position. I think he could be a 3rd safety similar to Kameron Kelly last season. He will compete with Marcus Allen for the spot. I think the Steelers should have taken a defensive tackle with this pick.
Pick 232 – Carlos Davis DT – Grade A-
Finally, the Steelers get Javon Hargrave’s replacement. The big fella out of Nebraska is well, big. I don’t think he is very athletic, but he can chew up blockers. He will probably be Chris Wormley’s backup in a 3-4 scheme.
