Steelers get handed grades for their first-round picks of the last decade

2020: Traded for Minkah Fitzpatrick

The Steelers did something unthinkable and traded away their first-round pick almost a half year before the draft even started. They had not figured out the safety position and needed to find an answer, so they went out and acquired a big name. Minkah Fitzpatrick has been one of the best safeties in the NFL since joining the Steelers and the club still managed to have a decent draft class, despite not having a first-round pick.

Grade: A

It was a great trade that saw the team get a great player that has been consistent in his play. He has also been one of the top performers in the NFL when it comes to the position that he plays. The picks that they gave up were used on players that have not worked out in the league to this point and this has been a major win for Pittsburgh.

2021: Najee Harris, RB, Alabama

Najee Harris was another player that just made sense for the Steelers leading up to the draft. Many kept penciling in his name to them with their first-round pick in most mock drafts, and those people were right. Harris would join the club as they continued to try and look for a replacement for James Conner. Harris had a good rookie season in 2021 despite running behind one of the worst offensive lines in Pittsburgh history.

Grade: B

He has been a nice addition on offense since being drafted here, but his selection still ignored the major issues. The offensive line is still atrocious, and the team needs to fix that so Harris and others on offense can succeed more. He will be a productive back for years to come, even though this was a little rich for a running back.

The Steelers have been one of the best franchises at finding and developing talents since entering the NFL. Their first-round picks over the last decade have had mixed results.