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Steel
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VintageBigBen DRAFTING FOR THESteelers
Draft Selections
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Draft Grade — Steelers
Overall
B
ValueB-
NeedB
TradesB
FutureB-
More right than wrong for the Steelers, and a B to prove it. Of all the ways to open, the Steelers chose the head-scratcher, spending pick No. 80 on Jackson Powers-Johnson with quarterback, edge rusher and other spots still wide open. Solid and sensible more than spectacular: a B.
The quarterback spot stays a question, and it was the one they most needed an answer at. The Gore Jr. pick is the one the value grade keeps tripping over. The dealing nudged the ledger their way without much fuss.
On the needs board they went 6 of 9, with interior defensive lineman the one that mattered most.
Solid rather than spectacular, and there is nothing wrong with that.
Pick Analysis
Pick26
Rnd1
Amarius Mims
In the 26th overall pick they get a plug-and-play piece up front. Need was not the driver here.
Pick48
Rnd2
Kalen King
By-the-book stuff, Kalen King at slot 48 squarely in line with his ranking. It plugs a real leak on the depth chart.
Pick49
Rnd2
Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. at the 49th overall pick is a sensible buy, a touch better than market for the linebacker. It patches a soft spot without any drama.
Pick80
Rnd3
Jackson Powers-Johnson
They zigged when the board said zag, taking Jackson Powers-Johnson at offensive lineman with quarterback, edge rusher and other spots open.
Pick116
Rnd4
Tykee Smith
They jumped the gun on Tykee Smith, taking him earlier than his grade liked. They walked in needing this and walked out with it.
Pick121
Rnd4
Justin Rogers
Justin Rogers at the Round 4 slot is a conviction pick that outran the value. A glaring weakness, addressed head on.
Pick126
Rnd4
Junior Colson
Junior Colson in pick No. 126 lands just on the right side of the ledger. A sensible fit for a spot that needed help.
Pick194
Rnd6
Ricky Pearsall
A straight-up fair deal on Ricky Pearsall at pick 194, value and slot in agreement. One more legitimate question on the roster, answered.
Pick237
Rnd7
Frank Gore Jr.
Frank Gore Jr. in the 237th pick is early enough to raise a brow, if not a full objection. A need, and now a little less of one.










