5 players Steelers should target in second round
The Draft
Sure, the Steelers would love to keep all of those guys, not to mention blitzing nickel CB Mike Hilton, and special-teams ace Tyler Matakevich as well, but the Steelers don’t have the financial gains to make ends meet. They have to cut somewhere. It’s just the nature of the beast in the NFL.
This is where the draft comes into play. It’s a place where the Steelers have traditionally done well under GM Kevin Colbert’s guidance in identifying players who fit their scheme and cultural identity.
3 reasons why #Steelers traded for DB Minkah Fitzpatrick (see thread):
— Ryan Sakamoto (@BEASTwriter) September 17, 2019
1. Versatility. He can play CB, slot, & FS and with FS Sean Davis dealing with injuries and inconsisent play and SS Terrell Edmunds struggling playing the deep ball, Fitzpatrick immediately provides stability
It’s why the team traded for AP first-team All-Pro FS Minkah Fitzpatrick, which I explained shortly after the deal was made. The selection of a player goes beyond filling a need. Every draft has it’s own identity, and the value of picks become more or less valuable based on what teams decide to do in front of you. When you combine that with a draft class that’s defensive top-heavy or of the like, things can get a little weird.
3. OLB Bud Dupree's rise: If the #Steelers picked top-five next year and went defense, they would've surely targeted DE/OLB Chase Young (Ohio St.) But Dupree has really come on, in his first contract year, just like AA. So extension may be in play if he proves to be consistent.
— Ryan Sakamoto (@BEASTwriter) September 17, 2019
Simply put, the safeties in this upcoming draft class are weak, and the Steelers analyzed Fitzpatrick’s value based on what players were projected to be available should they hold onto their first-round pick. At the time many thought it would be a top-five selection, I didn’t think so while also believing the team had full faith in Dupree having a breakout campaign, which he did. A Pro Bowl type season.
In hindsight, obviously a smart move. So the question remains, with no first-round pick, who should they select with the No. 49 overall selection? Again what’s the five-year outlook?