Pittsburgh Steelers updated selections in the 2020 NFL Draft

The Steelers were recently awarded a third-round compensatory pick for the loss of Le’Veon Bell. Here’s a look at their updated draft selections in 2020.

It’s been a long wait for Steelers fans, but the projection Over the Cap made earlier this offseason came true: Pittsburgh was officially awarded a third-round compensatory pick. While the Steelers received only one of 32 total compensatory picks handed out, they are just one of 9 teams to receive a third-round compensatory pick in 2020.

There are many factors that come into play with the compensatory formula, but the biggest for Pittsburgh was the loss of Le’Veon Bell and the lucrative deal he went on to sign with the New York Jets. Still Curtain contributor, Ryan Sakamoto, breaks it down here.

With their new third-round pick now in place, here is an updated look at all of Pittsburgh’s draft choices heading into the 2020 NFL Draft:

Steelers 2020 updated draft choices:

2nd-round pick (No. 49)

3rd-round pick (No. 102) compensatory

4th-round pick (No. 114)

4th-round pick (No. 124)

6th-round pick (No. 198)

7th-round pick (No. 233)

The Steelers first-round pick this year was essentially Minkah Fitzpatrick – who they traded for after Week 2 of the 2019 season. They surrendered their original third-round pick as part of the deal that helped them trade up to secure Devin Bush last April, and their fifth-round pick was traded to Seattle for tight end Nick Vannett early in the season.

In return, however, Pittsburgh was able to secure Miami’s fourth-round draft choice in 2020. Now they get a compensatory third-round pick as well.

While the 102nd overall pick in the NFL Draft may not seem like much, it couldn’t come at a better time. The Steelers were really shorthanded on draft selections this year, and the third-round pick gives them some flexibility early in the draft.

What the Steelers elect to do in free agency will dictate which direction they will need to go early in April. If, for example, they haven’t found a replacement for Javon Hargrave on the market or if Vance McDonald or Nick Vannett gets the boot, we can expect defensive line and tight end to be high on Pittsburgh’s to-do list early in the draft.

This additional day two pick could allow Pittsburgh to take advantage of one of the deepest wide receiver classes we have seen in a decade, or perhaps invest in an eventual replacement for Bud Dupree.

James Conner is a perfect example of why these third-round compensatory picks aren’t worthless. As a former compensatory pick himself, he has been a capable starter for Pittsburgh.

Without their initial first or third-round pick, we can’t go into the draft expecting the Steelers to knock it out of the park. Chances are, this draft is going to turn out a bit underwhelming. However, that extra compensatory pick should be a big help.