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Re-grading the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2018 draft class

By Brandon Kring

BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 04: Strong Safety Terrell Edmunds #34 of the Pittsburgh Steelers breaks up a pass intended for tight end Mark Andrews #89 of the Baltimore Ravens in the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 04: Strong Safety Terrell Edmunds #34 of the Pittsburgh Steelers breaks up a pass intended for tight end Mark Andrews #89 of the Baltimore Ravens in the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 30: James Washington #13 of the Pittsburgh Steelers makes a catch as Tony McRae #29 of the Cincinnati Bengals defends in the third quarter during the game at Heinz Field on December 30, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 30: James Washington #13 of the Pittsburgh Steelers makes a catch as Tony McRae #29 of the Cincinnati Bengals defends in the third quarter during the game at Heinz Field on December 30, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

James Washington

– 2018 stats: 38 targets, 16 catches, 217 yards, one touchdown

With their second pick, the Steelers took another receiver in James Washington. The pick was made to help replenish their deep threat receiver after trading Martavis Bryant to Oakland.

Washington was expected to come in and catch deep passes from Big Ben when necessary. He was a monster for Oklahoma State in college compiling a career of 4,472 yards on 226 catches for 19.8 yards per catch and 39 touchdowns.

He was exactly the type of receiver Kevin Colbert likes to find in the draft. It made all the sense in the world after the Bryant trade and he seemed like a perfect weapon for the offense.

The new deep threat title quickly faded as he hauled in just eight catches over the first 12 weeks of the season. He drew the ire of fans after diving for a ball in Denver that he did not need to, even drawing criticism from Ben after that.

However, Big Ben pulled him aside and assured him he still has confidence in the rookie and he would continue to go to him. The reassurance helped leading Washington perform well in the final four games catching 8 of his 13 targets for 140 yards.

The rookie ended the sour 2018 season on a high note and the hope is that will carry into 2019. With the Antonio Brown drama brewing hot, he may have no choice but to step it up a notch.

Re-grade: C+

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