2020 Steelers re-draft: Alex Highsmith is the only unchanged pick
By Andrew Falce
Round 7:
Dane Jackson, CB
Original pick: Carlos Davis, DL
Both of these picks are based around the value they would bring into the future, and while Carlos Davis looked good in his limited playing time, the Steelers are extremely deep along the defensive line and are now extremely shallow at cornerback. Dane Jackson would have aided that, as he is built to be a slot cornerback in the NFL.
As well, the team should be familiar with him as a player considering he played for the Panthers in college. He is feisty in coverage and has the look of a modern slot cornerback. He didn’t see substantial playing time during his rookie year, but when he did see the field, he looked solid for a seventh-round rookie. He only allowed a quarterback rating of 96.3 when being targeted which, again for a seventh-round rookie, is fine.
More importantly, Jackson could fill in as the starting slot cornerback this upcoming season. With the position set to take a hit in free agency, having a slot capable body would be a huge aid this year. While Davis has some upside as well, the team is far deeper along the defensive line than they are in the secondary. Davis seems like a fine player, but Jackson would fit more of a pressing need this season.
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While the Steelers had a successful draft, there were ways for the team to do better. Obviously, this is all hindsight, but it makes for good thought in the offseason. What do you think? What players would have made your redraft? Feel free to comment below with what your perfect draft would have been from last year.