The do’s and don’ts for the Steelers 2020 draft selections
By Andrew Falce
Don’t: Take a WR too high
As mentioned on the last page. WR is one of the deepest positions in this class. Quite frankly, there isn’t a more complete group in this class, as the top talent, middle round, and late-round options are all overflowing with quality options. This means talented guys will fall in the draft, and this could mean the Steelers select a WR earlier than the need merits.
Caution should be placed on this position though, as the team already has three solid starters in JuJu Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson, and James Washington. Yes, they do need more players after those three, but there are other more pressing holes to fill. While a WR taken at pick 49 will see playing time as the #4, unless they beat out one of those starters, they will also be seeing a lot of time on the bench.
As well, with this class so deep all around, the better value may be had in or after the third round. The team doesn’t need an instant starter, so getting a high upside depth guy may work out better assuming the Steelers target a more pressing need at 49. They would likely see similar playing time as a higher pick simply due to the fact the starters are already set.
By no means does this mean the Steelers should pass on a WR at 49 solely due to the position. If an option they view as too good to pass falls to them in the second round, they should draft them. However, if some of the second-tier options are the only ones available at pick 49, it wouldn’t hurt the Steelers to look elsewhere in the 2nd round. Taking a WR later should still represent good value; that’s how deep this class is.