When it comes to the NFL draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers have long been known for avoiding the temptation to draft for need. Looking at the results of this year’s draft, it’s easy to get a sense the Steelers bucked that trend and focused on some of the team’s biggest weaknesses this past weekend in Chicago.
After drafting defense in the first three rounds and five of the seven picks overall, it’s clear that Director of Player Personnel Kevin Colbert understood that there were plenty of needs to attend to. The question now is were they the right picks and can any of the players drafted make an impact soon than later?
At this point, it’s fair to assume you’ve had your fill of grades, so let’s look at the best and worst of the Steelers draft.
The Steelers found (potential) help at safety
The 2016 draft had no shortage of safeties drafted, and the Steelers needed to get one that could provide an upgrade opposite Mike Mitchell. The second-round selection of University of Maryland safety Sean Davis might do the trick.
Davis has experience at cornerback and safety and is known for being a tackling machine with solid coverage skills. The Steelers were dreadful covering tight ends last season, and Davis might provide much needed help in this area.
We know he can come in and help on special teams as a rookie, but can he supplant Robert Golden as a starter? If he can, it would be a draft win for the Steelers.
Finally drafted a corner in the first, but…
Was Artie Burns the right choice? Granted the Steelers would have loved to see Eli Apple or William Jackson III there at pick No. 25, but with both gone, Burns was the choice.
Burns is a rangy corner with exceptional speed and athleticism. He was also extremely productive last season at Miami intercepting six passes. However, the 20-year-old cornerback looks like a project who won’t make much of an impact as a rookie. That’s hard to love, considering the fact the Steelers must be better at corner next season.
Have the Steelers found a replacement for Antonio Brown?
Easy folks. When I say a replacement, I mean finding a return specialist who can take over returning punts for the world’s greatest receiver. The Steelers are hoping seventh-round pick DeMarcus Ayers can be that guy.
Ayers was electric at the University of Houston as a return man and was unstoppable at times as receiver last season. Although not loaded with speed, Ayers is as shifty as they come and has a chance to not only make the roster, but provide immediate help on special teams.
No quarterback, fellas?
Granted this draft was not exceptional for quarterbacks, but it’s hard to love the Steelers ignoring the position all together and instead signing Bruce Gradkowski to be the likely third QB.
It’s a head scratcher that no quarterback was picked, and one could argue this was a poor decision by Colbert and the Steelers braintrust. Maybe the Steelers have something in mind, but they need to get another arm in camp that can potentially supplant Gradowski.
Two late-round steals at linebacker?
Can I just say that I love the picks of linebackers Travis Feeney and Tyler Matakevich on the final day of the draft?
Feeney is a converted safety who plays at one speed, and that is ridiculously fast. Look at his highlights while at the University of Washington and tell me you don’t think the Steelers should be charged with larceny for getting a football player of this caliber in the sixth round.
Feeney not only has a chance to make the 53-man roster, he could make an immediate impact on special teams as he develops his skills to potentially be a starter at linebacker. Size is an issue, but he’s got a chance.
Temple University’s Matakevich is the consummate college linebacker – all he did was make plays and his efforts last season earned him both the prestigious Bronco Nagurski and Chuck Bednarik awards.
A four-year starter with the Owls, Matakevich surpassed the 100-tackle mark every season and has drawn comparisons to former Miami Dolphins Pro-Bowl linebacker Zach Thomas.
The biggest question will be can Matakevich survive in the NFL with below average size and speed? Some guys can, they simply adapt and get the job done. I think Matakevich might be one of those players.
