All was calm on the Pittsburgh Steelers front during the NFL Free Agency period \u2013 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\u2019s how business has been conducted on the North Shore for quite some time. Now the Steelers look ahead to the NFL Draft.<\/p>\n
This year was a little different as the Steelers were prepared to throw significant money at New England Patriots free agent linebacker Dont\u2019a 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<\/a><\/strong> to the Miami Dolphins.<\/p>\n The Steelers waited until March 10th<\/sup> to sign their first free agent, landing ultra-athletic (6\u20194, 4.44 forty, 39.5 inch vertical) wide receiver Justin Hunter<\/a>.<\/p>\n The flurry of signings continued (insert sarcastic tone here) as the Steelers inked running back\/kick returner Knile Davis<\/a><\/strong> to a one-year deal and cornerback Coty Sensabaugh<\/a><\/strong> to a two-year contract. And lastly on March 21st, former first round pick Tyson Alualu<\/a><\/strong> was signed to a two year deal.<\/p>\n 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<\/strong> is a firm believer in competition at each and every position.<\/p>\n Grade B+:<\/strong> Can\u2019t complain too much here \u2013 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Below is a list of players who would fit\u00a0with the black and gold in 2017 and beyond:<\/p>\n Turn on any Alabama game from last year and you\u2019ll see #56 make an impact in the game. Standing at 6\u20194 and 252 lbs, Williams is an offensive tackles worst nightmare. He possesses great pass rushing moves and consistently applies pressure to the quarterback.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n For a more in-depth analysis check out Tim Williams draft profile<\/a>.<\/p>\n Other players of interest: Takkarist McKinley<\/strong>, defensive end, UCLA – Carl Lawson<\/strong>, defensive end, Auburn –\u00a0 Haason Reddick<\/strong>, linebacker, Temple \u2013 Tyus Bowser<\/strong>, linebacker, Houston \u2013 T.J.<\/strong> Watt, linebacker, Wisconsin<\/p>\n If Desmond King would\u2019ve declared for the Draft last year, he would\u2019ve 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\u00a0pull the trigger.<\/p>\n 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<\/a><\/strong> moves on in a few years.<\/p>\n For a more in-depth analysis check out Desmond King\u2019s draft profile<\/a>.<\/p>\n Other players of interest: Adoree Jackson<\/strong>, corner back, USC \u2013 Chidobe Awuzie<\/strong>, corner back, Colorado \u2013 Cordrea Tankersly<\/strong>, corner back, Clemson \u2013 Teez Tabor<\/strong>, corner back, Florida \u2013 Rasul Douglas<\/strong>, corner back, West Virginia<\/p>\n 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).<\/p>\n 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<\/a><\/strong>, Butt instantly turns the position of tight end to a strength for the Steelers. Paired with a great blocker like Jesse James<\/a><\/strong>, the Pittsburgh Steelers would have two tight ends that complement each other for years to come on the North Shore.<\/p>\n For a more in-depth analysis check out Jake Butt\u2019s draft profile<\/a>.<\/p>\n Other players of interest: Zay Jones<\/strong>, wide receiver, East Carolina \u2013 ArDarius Stewart<\/strong>, wide receiver, Alabama \u2013 Ryan Switzer<\/strong>, wide receiver, North Carolina<\/p>\n If you could design a 3-4 defensive end, you\u2019d end up with Tanoh Kpassagnon from Villanova. Standing 6\u20196 and tipping the scales at 280 lbs, Kpassagnon no doubt fits the bill physically. Although labeled as \u201craw\u201d, 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<\/a> when need be.<\/p>\n2017 NFL Draft Rounds 1-3<\/h3>\n
Tim Williams, Linebacker, Alabama<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Desmond King, Corner, Iowa<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Jake Butt, Tight End, Michigan<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Tanoh Kpassagnon, Defensive End, Villanova<\/strong><\/h3>\n