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How the Pittsburgh Steelers Won the 2017 NFL Draft

By Noah Strackbein

Nov 19, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back James Conner (24) rushes the ball against the Duke Blue Devils during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won 56-14. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back James Conner (24) rushes the ball against the Duke Blue Devils during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won 56-14. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Pittsburgh Steelers had eight 2017 NFL Draft picks, and they walked away useful talent from each one.

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There was a list of positions the Steelers needed to fill by Saturday night. Without an edge rusher, secondary option, wide receiver running back, and quarterback, Pittsburgh would be heading into the season with significant voids on both sides of the ball.

Well, they filled everything. From outside linebacker to backup quarterback, the Steelers added more talent to this team than anyone thought imaginable.

  • 1st Round – T.J. Watt (OLB)
  • 2nd Round – JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR)
  • 3rd Round – Cameron Sutton (DB)
  • 3rd Round – James Conner (RB)
  • 4th Round – Josh Dobbs (QB)
  • 5th Round – Brian Allen (DB)
  • 6th Round – Colin Holba (LS)
  • 7th Round – Keion Adams (OLB)

Not bad when you see every position they needed was taken care of at some point. What’s even better is that with every need position, Pittsburgh drafted someone can come in and impact the team immediately.

From Watt who will likely get the starting job by Week 1 to Josh Dobbs who is going to learn behind Ben Roethlisberger before taking over the team, everyone has a purpose.

A lot of teams impressed at the draft. The San Fransisco 49ers got two instant defensive starters in the first round by trading down a spot and then coming back into the first round and drafting Rueben Foster, arguably the biggest steal of Day 1. The Cleveland Browns used plenty of trades to boost their team as well and look to be on the verge of a rebuild for the first time in recent memory.

The only difference between the Steelers and these other teams is that Pittsburgh was already a Super Bowl contender coming into the draft. Now, while teams like the New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers, and Seattle Seahawks continued to trade back, the Steelers were becoming the most put together team in the NFL.

In 72 hours, Pittsburgh made their team practically flawless. Something others in their position failed to do. So, when the season rolls around, and people can’t find problems with the Steelers, they’ll credit all of it to an incredibly successful NFL Draft.

Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert truly outdid themselves this time. They took full advantage of the loaded draft class they were presented with. Now, they have a team with minimum flaws and some of the best young talent out there.

Next: Biggest Steelers Draft Steals Since 2000

*How does each player make this team a Super Bowl contender? Stay tuned each day this week as Still Curtain breaks down the impact of all eight Steelers draft picks and how their future in Pittsburgh is going to affect the team.

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