Steelers Draft: Lake’s project, day two
By Justin Roem
On Thursday night, the Steelers made the move that scouts and fans have been clamoring for and took a cornerback with their first pick in the NFL Draft; now they look to the second and third rounds.
Artie Burns is a fast and long cornerback from the University of Miami. He is young and in need of development, but his raw skills indicate great upside. Defensive backs coach, Carnell Lake, will be working Burns hard in offseason activities to get his technique up to snuff. Burns is a world class hurdler, so he has good hip flexibility and quick feet, but he needs more discipline in his coverage technique.
Immediate impact from Burns might be limited to special teams, a phase in which he can be a difference maker. However, his competitive nature and athleticism could give him a significant role early in a weak secondary.
With a major need addressed, the Steelers front office is getting ready for rounds two and three. I expect the team to double down on defense. There is still plenty of talent along all three levels of the defense available on day two of the draft.
The safety and defensive tackle positions have some serious talent left on the board. The Steelers could look at a player like Vonn Bell from Ohio State. Bell has significant experience in the secondary on a National Championship winning team–no small credential. He isn’t a safety that has shown he can be an enforcer in the box, but he has experience in coverage and good pass break up and interception numbers show he plays near the ball.
If the Steelers want more upside at safety they could go for Clemson’s T.J. Green. Green is a converted receiver that possesses the ideal size/speed ratio coveted by scouts. Like Burns, his technique needs refinement. Green has shown through limited experience in the secondary that he can play at the line and in coverage. Green has excellent pursuit speed and would be another asset on special teams.
The Steelers have a need in the middle of their defensive line. The ends are solid and fans hope that the combination of Cameron Heyward and Stephon Tuitt is around for years to come. Adding a young difference maker in the middle could allow the front office several years of production from that group.
Andrew Billings might not be a defender that will see the field every play in the NFL–likely why the talented and relentless defender is still available–but he makes an impact when he does. Billings transitioned from offensive line in college and has the youth and drive to continue improving at the start of his NFL career. The Steelers have a great defensive line room for Billings to improve and flourish.
Alabama defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson will likely be gone by the time the Steelers pick in the second round, but he is an exciting prospect. He has experience in an odd front and will stay on the field for three downs in the NFL. He has room for improvement, but has the frame and strength to become a defensive force in the NFL.
In general, the Steelers might have confidence drafting some younger players with high ceilings given the maturity of their locker room. A few defenders have experienced an unexpected slide out of the first round. Two players with medical concerns, Reggie Ragland and Myles Jack, were not expected to be available on day two. If the slide continues, could the Steelers snag one in anticipation of life after Lawrence Timmons?