By CJ Lester
SteelerNation.com
Here we are, one week removed from the 2020 NFL Draft. Everyone has had their gut reactions to a lot of NFL teams’ draft selections. Fans have screamed with excitement, fans have pouted, fans have scratched their heads, and some fans, rationally, would rather let time do the draft grading. I gave almost a week to digest and really try to think about how the draft went for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team stayed in their original draft slot for each of their selections during the draft this year. So no trade backs or trade ups. Let's check out who exactly the team added!
Round 2: Pick 49
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected WR Chase Claypool (6-4, 238lbs) from Notre Dame.
Claypool is a big, lengthy, and speedy weapon that has been brought to this Steelers offensive arsenal and a weapon unlike any other skilled position player we currently have on the roster. In fact, Claypool tested so well at his size at the combine; the only other player to post a similar combine workout was none other than Calvin Johnson (Megatron). I know I know, slow down a bit. I’m not comparing him to a surefire 1st ballot Hall of Famer, just comparing his physical traits with who is the only comparison. Claypool was very productive in college, which is a trait the Steelers always seem to look for when evaluating talent. In 2019, he posted 66 receptions for 1,037 yards for a 15.7 yards per catch average, and 13 TD's. Watching the tape, the receiver is a flat-out problem in the redzone. With the combination of his size and speed, Claypool is an easy mismatch against smaller corners.
Only two wideouts to measure 6’4” & 235 pounds or bigger have run a sub-4.45 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine since 2003:
— NFL Research (@NFLResearch) February 28, 2020
One is known as “Megatron” (Calvin Johnson). The other?
Notre Dame’s Chase Claypool at the 2020 Combine.@NDFootball @ChaseClaypool pic.twitter.com/iHByYLhnp1
Round 3: Pick 102 (compensatory pick)
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected EDGE Alex Highsmith (6-3, 248lbs) from Charlotte.
Highsmith had a major production jump in the past two seasons. In 2018, he only tallied three sacks as more of a trenches guy. The defensive scheme played in 2019 allowed him to stand up and be more of a pass rusher and he tallied 15 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss. With the depth behind TJ Watt and Bud Dupree being scarce and having minimal production in their limited experience, the need for an EDGE rusher in the draft was definitely there. The Steelers are certain that they want Bud Dupree to be a Steeler for life, but if for some reason a long-term contract does not get done next off-season this pick provides a high upside replacement in waiting. Will Highsmith possibly be productive this year. Barring injury, Highsmith will most likely get to work his way into the rotation as the 3rd outside linebacker spelling Dupree and Watt when they need it. Watching Highsmith's film, I got flashbacks to Dupree's play at the collegiate level. He has basketball athleticism and gets into the backfield to make plays against the run. Highsmith's hands and rush attacks are a little more advanced than what Dupree's were coming out, but Dupree was more athletic. Look for Highsmith to contribute right away on special teams and eventually this season as the 3rd outside linebacker.
Round 4: Pick 124
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected RB Anthony McFarland Jr. (5-8, 208lbs) from Maryland.
McFarland provides the Steelers with something in the backfield that they do not have. He is more of a decisive runner with high end speed for a running back. He had a much better year in 2018 than he did in 2019. In 2018, McFarland Jr. played 12 games and had 1,034 rushing yards on 131 carries, and four TD's. His production went down in 2019 as he played 11 games, picked up 614 rushing yards on 114 carries, and eight TD's. It was later revealed that he was playing through a high ankle sprain. In 2018, he was a much better runner and tackle breaker. In 2019, you did not really see him breaking as many tackles as he did in the previous year. He has 4.4 speed that allows him to run away from tacklers in the open field. He his a home run threat, and can do well with well executed blocking. He does have a checkered injury past, but a lot of times he played through his injuries, but that is still one of the things that holds back his potential. If he can stay healthy, he can be a great rotational piece in the backfield to spice up the running game.
Round 4: Pick 135
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected IOL Kevin Dotson (6-4, 310lbs) from UL-Lafayette.
Dotson is a powerful guard that executes very well in the running game. He is strong enough to compete with interior defensive lineman in the NFL, and has shown great capability in finishing blocks in the running game. Dotson provides us with a much needed youth injection on the interior offensive line and he also provides needed depth as well. It is evident, through film, that his fundamentals are very important to him. He can handle all run blocking schemes and he takes great angles to get to the second level of the defense. His athleticism is not particularly up to par with some of the new age offensive lineman, but once he gets his hands on a defender, the clock strikes midnight. I think Dotson has the ability to come in right away and compete for the starting guard spot left vacant from the retirement of long-time Steelers' guard Ramon Foster. One additional bonus, Dotson grew up a Steelers fan! Check out our podcast, where our very own G.Stryker, goes one-on-one with Dotson. LINK BELOW!!
Round 6: Pick 198
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected S/LB Hybrid Antoine Brooks Jr. (5-11, 220lbs) from Maryland.
Did we need to add depth to the safety room? Yes! It was definitely one of the positions on my draft wish list. Brooks Jr. can be a very versatile defender that can play a safety/linebacker hybrid role for the Steelers. The safety could step in and compete to be the third safety, but he may be more of a box strong safety for the Steelers. Gerry Dulac, reported that the Steelers have given consideration to use S Terrell Edmunds in the hybrid role that was possessed by Mark Barron. If that is the case, the Steelers would need another safety to throw into the mix to compete for the SS spot and Brooks could be that guy. I know the Steelers love versatile players that are capable of playing multiple positions and Brooks definitely displayed that on his collegiate film. A lot of draft analysts projected Brooks to go in the 5th round, but the Steelers were able to grab him in the 6th. Brooks is a very smart defender, who was previously a quarterback, so he he has great pre-snap play recognition. SteelerNation had an exclusive interview with Brooks Jr. on our podcast, check it out below!
Round 7: Pick 232
The Pittsburgh Steelers select DT Carlos Davis (6-2, 313 lbs) from Nebraska.
Davis has NFL interior defensive lineman size right out of the gate. He is very technical in the use of his hands, even though he has shorter arms. Davis totaled 16 tackles for loss and 125 total tackles in his college career for the Cornhuskers. He is capable of recognize plays occasionally, but lacks initial pop. He is slower than most off the ball, but he compensates that with his ability to keep his hands on the inside of the offensive lineman. I could see Davis coming in and competing with DT Dan McCullers for a roster spot and potential back-up snaps eventually. We also had an exclusive interview with Davis on our SteelerNation podcast. Check out the link below!
Check out steelers.com tweet showing off our 2020 NFL Draft Class!
A look at what's to come 😤#SteelersDraft | @ChaseClaypool | @highsmith34 | @AnttMacc_ | @kdd7696 | @TwanDoee | @_KING_LOS__ pic.twitter.com/EBV0CLN8Py
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) May 2, 2020
Since you have had time to think about this, what are your thoughts about the Pittsburgh Steelers 2020 NFL Draft class? Sound off in the comment section below, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!
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