Still Curtain
FanSided

Mel Kiper Jr. grades Pittsburgh Steelers as best 2017 NFL Draft class in AFC North

By Noah Strackbein

Sep 12, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) scores on a 50-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter against the Idaho Vandals at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) scores on a 50-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter against the Idaho Vandals at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2017 NFL Draft was a total success, and ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. agrees.

Must Read: 4 Undrafted Free Agents Who Can Make the Steelers Roster

The Pittsburgh Steelers had plenty of voids they needed to fill during the draft, and they used a loaded draft class to fill each one of them. From outside linebacker to backup quarterback, Pittsburgh could do no wrong in finding useful talent on both sides of the ball.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. is just one of many people who believe the Steelers had a complete draft. Filling all holes with players who can impact this team immediately was the first step they needed to take in their journey to Super Bowl 52.

Our Brandon Kring graded the Steelers’ draft with a B after their eight selections were in. Not too far off from the ESPN expert, who gave Pittsburgh a B+ following the 2017 draft – A grade that ranks higher than any other AFC North team in 2017.

"Pittsburgh Steelers: B+Top needs: Linebacker, wide receiver, cornerbackCredit to the Steelers for taking a 3-4 pass-rusher with their first pick, knowing that James Harrison (soon to be 39) won’t be around forever and that former first-round pick Bud Dupree hasn’t exactly lit the league on fire (8.5 sacks in two seasons). I had Tyus Bowser rated higher than T.J. Watt, but it was close. I thought JuJu Smith-Schuster might be an early Day 2 pick, but he fell to the end of the second round. He had an inconsistent season but has No. 1 potential. I love his competitiveness and willingness to block. If Martavis Bryant plays like he did in 2015 and can stay on the field, Big Ben could have some of the best weapons in the league.Cameron Sutton went right about where I thought, and he could return punts. James Conner is a great story and pretty good player, but there were better backs available, including Samaje Perine, who’s a better bruising-type runner. The Steelers will hope he slims down a bit like Le’Veon Bell and stars. If Joshua Dobbs ends up being a competent backup to Ben Roethlisberger, that’s probably a win for Pittsburgh. The cost was low, and the upside is high, but he’s nowhere near ready to play right away. I thought he could have gone as high as the second round.All in all, needs filled."

Compared to the rest of the AFC North, Pittsburgh reigns supreme. Barely beating the grades of the other three teams, the Steelers scrape by as the division favorite after a successful draft class. With the rest of the AFC North right behind them, this division should be one of the toughest in the NFL in 2018.

Baltimore Ravens: B

Cleveland Browns: B

Cincinnati Bengals: B-

Next: Steelers 2017 NFL Draft Gradebook

How do you feel about the Steelers’ 2017 NFL Draft? Kiper Jr. believes they did everything they needed to, but do you agree? Give us your take on Pittsburgh’s draft class in the comments below.

Home/Steelers Draft