All was calm on the Pittsburgh Steelers front during the NFL Free Agency period – which is nothing new for the constituents of Steelers Nation. Wait for the big signings to occur and then make some financial responsible and quality signings. A tried and true recipe. It’s how business has been conducted on the North Shore for quite some time. Now the Steelers look ahead to the NFL Draft.
Pittsburgh Steelers Ideal Draft Scenario: Part 2
Recap of Steelers Free Agency
This year was a little different as the Steelers were prepared to throw significant money at New England Patriots free agent linebacker Dont’a Hightower. Although Hightower ultimately signed with New England (big shocker, right?), it was nice to see the Steelers in the mix for a bona-fide playmaker after losing veteran stalwart Lawrence Timmons to the Miami Dolphins.
The Steelers waited until March 10th to sign their first free agent, landing ultra-athletic (6’4, 4.44 forty, 39.5 inch vertical) wide receiver Justin Hunter.
The flurry of signings continued (insert sarcastic tone here) as the Steelers inked running back/kick returner Knile Davis to a one-year deal and cornerback Coty Sensabaugh to a two-year contract. And lastly on March 21st, former first round pick Tyson Alualu was signed to a two year deal.
The free agent signings to date have a common theme throughout them. All contracts are team-friendly and not only bolster depth at much needed positions, but foster competition as well. No coincidence there as head coach Mike Tomlin is a firm believer in competition at each and every position.
Grade B+: Can’t complain too much here – getting Hightower would have been out of this world! But with arguably the most talented defensive class in a decade coming through the draft, the Steelers have an excellent opportunity to solidify their defense for years to come. Look for the Steelers to focus on defense in the draft, with adding a few offensive pieces.
2017 NFL Draft Rounds 1-3
With four picks in the first three rounds of the NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers need to focus the bulk of their draft picks on the defensive side of the ball. Getting torched by New England made one thing evidently clear – the Steelers lack depth at cornerback and pass rusher.
Below is a list of players who would fit with the black and gold in 2017 and beyond:
Tim Williams, Linebacker, Alabama
Turn on any Alabama game from last year and you’ll see #56 make an impact in the game. Standing at 6’4 and 252 lbs, Williams is an offensive tackles worst nightmare. He possesses great pass rushing moves and consistently applies pressure to the quarterback.
Although a little suspect against the run, Williams has the pedigree to turn into an absolute star in Pittsburgh. The Steelers have lacked an explosive edge rusher for a few years, and this pick would fill a large gap for years to come.
For a more in-depth analysis check out Tim Williams draft profile.
Other players of interest: Takkarist McKinley, defensive end, UCLA – Carl Lawson, defensive end, Auburn – Haason Reddick, linebacker, Temple – Tyus Bowser, linebacker, Houston – T.J. Watt, linebacker, Wisconsin
Desmond King, Corner, Iowa
If Desmond King would’ve declared for the Draft last year, he would’ve been a sure fire first rounder. But for whatever reason, many have him falling into the second round this year. If the Steelers have an opportunity to select King in the second round, they should pull the trigger.
Possessing above average coverage skills, King also has ball hawking ability (14 career interceptions) when the ball is in the air. While lacking top-flight speed, the former Hawkeye has an ability to change the game every time the ball is thrown his way. King could also make the transition to safety if need be if Mike Mitchell moves on in a few years.
For a more in-depth analysis check out Desmond King’s draft profile.
Other players of interest: Adoree Jackson, corner back, USC – Chidobe Awuzie, corner back, Colorado – Cordrea Tankersly, corner back, Clemson – Teez Tabor, corner back, Florida – Rasul Douglas, corner back, West Virginia
Jake Butt, Tight End, Michigan
If not for tearing his ACL in the Citrus Bowl, the Michigan product would have more than likely been a first round draft pick. But, as fate would have it, Butt injured his knee and his draft stock subsequently plummeted. If this pick happens, it could end up being the steal of the draft. Totaling 138 catches good for 1,600 yards and 11 TDs in his career, Butt is a match up nightmare for defenses (too fast for a linebacker, and too big for a corner/safety).
Many fans would like to see a wide receiver or possibly a quarterback taken here, but the upside on Jake Butt is too high not to pull the trigger. With health questions surrounding prized free agent from 2016 Ladarius Green, Butt instantly turns the position of tight end to a strength for the Steelers. Paired with a great blocker like Jesse James, the Pittsburgh Steelers would have two tight ends that complement each other for years to come on the North Shore.
For a more in-depth analysis check out Jake Butt’s draft profile.
Other players of interest: Zay Jones, wide receiver, East Carolina – ArDarius Stewart, wide receiver, Alabama – Ryan Switzer, wide receiver, North Carolina
Tanoh Kpassagnon, Defensive End, Villanova
If you could design a 3-4 defensive end, you’d end up with Tanoh Kpassagnon from Villanova. Standing 6’6 and tipping the scales at 280 lbs, Kpassagnon no doubt fits the bill physically. Although labeled as “raw”, he can be seen as a clean slate for the Steelers coaches to mold into an absolute beast of a defensive end to spell Cam Heyward and Stephon Tuitt when need be.
For a more in depth analysis check out Tanoh Kpassagnon’s draft profile.
Other players of interest: Derek Rivers, linebacker, Youngstown State – Ejuan Price, linebacker/defensive end, Pittsburgh – Carroll Phillips, linebacker, Illinois – Connor Harris, linebacker, Lindenwood – Kendell Beckwith, linebacker, LSU
That’s it for rounds 1-3 of the Steelers Ideal Draft – check back soon for the remainder of the draft rounds 4-7. Here We Go!
