The 2021 NFL season was a critical one for the original Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2018 draft class. It was the final year of the majority of respective rookie contracts and for Terrell Edmunds, James Washington, Chukwuma Okorafor, and Marcus Allen, it was a ‘make it or break it’ season. Fortunately for Edmunds, Okorafor, and Allen, they were able to land back in Pittsburgh for 2022. Washington however left for greener pastures with the Dallas Cowboys. But with that said, former General Manager Kevin Colbert turned back the clock and found a way to re-draft in 2018 to address major concerns as he stepped down in 2022.
The Steelers found a way to use the 2018 NFL Draft to help address some of their biggest needs in 2022.
Offensive Line
After some of the worst rushing offense in the entire league the last few seasons, the Steelers are still working on building an effective offensive line. Last year, we saw a make-shift offensive line that included a pair of rookies with a few free agents tossed in later in the season. In what would be his final off-season, Colbert went back to the same drawing board he used in 2018 and nabbed some help for 2022.
Aside from the re-signing of Okorafor, these included the acquisitions of James Daniels, Mason Cole, and Trent Scott. Of five offensive line positions, at least three of those roles are going to be presumed starters from the 2018 draft. Not to mention, Scott was signed to be a reliable plug-and-play back-up at the tackle position behind Dan Moore Jr. and Okorafor. The offensive line has been, and still is, one of the biggest priorities in 2022 and the 2018 NFL Draft class is going to play a pivotal role in the possible Steelers’ success this season.
Steelers' OL Trent Scott participates in OTA's (Abigail Dean/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Secondary
In recent history, the Steelers’ secondary has been the Achilles Heel of the defensive unit. While it may be purely coincidence, the Steelers used the 2018 draft to grab a few presumed starters for 2022. Of course, we know what Edmunds brings to the strong safety position and he came back on a hometown deal for 2022. In 2019, the Steelers traded for free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick who has been an instant success as a defensive leader. Even if you want to include Allen as a dime backer, with the back part of the secondary set.
But with that being the case, the departure of cornerback Joe Haden left a void that couldn’t be overlooked. Therefore, the Steelers signed free agent Levi Wallace to compete for that spot. Although he’ll be competing with Cam Sutton and other depth chart names vying for a starting role, Wallace has a good chance to start on the outside in tandem with Sutton or Ahkello Witherspoon. In any respect, all signs indicate Wallace is going to be a major contributor in the secondary. The Steelers are going to have the 2018 draft to thank for any secondary success in 2022.
Steelers' CB Levi Wallace participates in team training (Karl Roser/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Outside Linebacker
I know what you’re probably thinking; how is outside linebacker a need in 2022? But let’s think of a few names in recent history; James Harrison, Arthur Moats, and what Melvin Ingram was supposed to be in 2021. Each of those names was a key contributor on defense while not necessarily always being listed at the top of the depth chart. Although there is top-talent already in place on the outside with TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith, the Steelers recognize the need of a steady rotational player at linebacker. To address this in 2022, the Steelers signed Genard Avery who was a solid starter with the Philadelphia Eagles. Avery brings everything the Steelers need as a third-down outside linebacker and effective special teams contributor. While I’m not saying Avery is the next Harrison, he’s going to be what the Steelers thought they had in Ingram in 2021.
Steelers' OLB Genard Avery celebrates a play against Washington (AP)
Even though the 2018 draft was a bit lackluster for the Steelers, they found a way to essentially take a ‘re-deux’ five years later. In doing so, they’ve addressed major concerns in 2022 through a draft class that has a full rookie contract under their belts. Only time will tell in determining if they are one-hit wonders or long-term solutions.
What do you think of the Steelers’ ‘new’ 2018 draft class? Who else do you think are going to be key contributors? Let us know in the comments below!
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