The 2019 NFL Draft is barely over, but apparently it’s not too early to make predictions for the 2020 draft – at least, not too early for ESPN draft expert, Todd McShay.
Based on a formula from Football Outsiders, McShay determined Pittsburgh to hold the 28th pick next year (which means they must have had a pretty good season).
So, with the 28th pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select… Jared Pinkney, tight end, Vanderbilt.
McShay had this to say about his pick for the Steelers:
"Fifty catches for 774 yards and seven scores is impressive production for a tight end. He could end up being the Steelers’ new Heath Miller."
I’m not going to put a lot of stock in someone’s prediction when we are still a year out from the draft – even someone as respectable as McShay. If I were to pick a position the Steelers would consider drafting in the first round next year, however, tight end would be near the top of the list (along with edge rusher).
The Steelers lost Jesse James this off-season when he decided to sign a lucrative deal with the Detroit Lions. Though James wasn’t a major producer for the Steelers in terms of statistics (43 catches, 372 yards, 8.7 yards per catch, 3 touchdowns), he was very good at staying on the football field. Jesse James has not missed a game in over 3 years, dating back to his rookie season.
On the other hand, Vance McDonald is a solid option as the Steelers primary tight end, but hasn’t been healthy for a full 16-game season in his career. After him, Xavier Grimble was the Steelers number three tight end in 2018, and Zach Gentry was just added via the draft as a 5th round draft choice.
Jared Pinkney may very well be an option for the Steelers in next year’s draft, but so much changes in one year.
The truth is, we don’t have a clue who the Steelers are going to draft next season, but it doesn’t hurt to start thinking about it.