Steelers Rookie Jersey Number Predictions

By: Noah Russell

With the NFL Draft wrapping up this past weekend, many people wanna run out and go snag their new franchise players jerseys, but many are stuck waiting until they’re finally announced which depending on the team could take some time. Some teams announce the week of or a few after. Many numbers are subject to change with the cutting of players from their roster or purchasing off a lesser player as well.

Here I’m going to try to take my best deduction skills and figure out what the Steelers 9 draft picks will potentially wear this year.

Remember there are many numbers we just don’t see handed out by Pittsburgh even though they aren’t officially retired. Don’t expect to see 12, 32, 36, 43, 47, 52, 58, 59, 75, 86, etc. on this list out of respect for the former Steeler Greats.

LB Devin Bush – 55

This one was an easy one since it has already been announced and put out by the team. Funny enough the night after he was picked I told my friend he would wear this number since he was 5 in HS and you just double the digits and bam 55. He couldn’t wear that number during his time at Michigan due to Jabrill Peppers who had it for the time being, but now he gets the 5 back in his life.

55 was last worn by a great man off the field in Arthur Moats who played from 2014 to 2017 in the Black and Gold, but two other big name players dawned the 55 with Joey Porter being one of the most well known in recent memory and John Kolb from the 70’s.

WR Diontae Johnson – 18

This is a tougher one to guess. Johnson wore 3 both during the end of his time at Toledo and during High school. The only other number worn between then was 19, but that number is already taken by Star Receiver Juju Smith-Schuster. Johnson recently posted an edited picture on his Instagram Story of him wearing 18 so that’s my best bet for the time being.

The last notable player to wear 18 was QB Zach Mettenberger who was only on the team for a brief period. The most notable person in history though has to be former QB Mike Tomczak who wore it from 1993 to 1999.

CB Justin Layne – 24

Layne could go one of 2 ways here. During his time at Michigan State he wore 2, but single digits aren’t an option here in the NFL for defensive backs. So he could potentially take 24 which is the only number in the 20’s still open since the departure of Coty Sensabaugh. Today (5/2) Layne posted an edit of him in 24 so that’s what his number should be this season and potentially beyond.

24 was worn last season by Coty Sensabaugh and most famously in the recent decade by Ike Taylor who was a stud corner in the Super Bowl years.

RB Benny Snell – 26

SNELL YEAH! That is all. In a twitter post, Benny Snell posted a picture with an old Le’veon Bell Jersey stating that he is the new 26 period. Safe to say I am all for it and believe him. Time for a change in Pittsburgh and we shall see it this year.

The most recent player to wear the 26 was former star RB Le’Veon Bell who wore it his whole 5 year career here. The most notable player in history would have to be Hall Of Famer Rod Woodson who wore it from 1987-1996.

TE Zach Gentry – 83

My first guess for the 6’8″ TE from Michigan is 83 since he wore that number there, but it might not have been the former QB’s first choice. When he was a QB at Michigan he used to wear 10 and in his High school days he rocked the 11 which brings Jesse James 81 into play. Either of the 2 will bring back memories of former TE’s in the Burgh. While I don’t think Gentry will have the same impact as the two, hopefully he can be a good contributor for us.

The last player that got time to wear 83 belonged to WR Cobi Hamilton who only played a couple seasons here in Pittsburgh, but there have been quite a few notable players to dawn the number, most famously HEAAATTTHHHH Miller. 2nd in franchise history in receptions with 592, played 10 years in Pittsburgh redifining the TE position and being Ben Roethlesbergers safety net. (Louis Lipps and Buddy Dial also wore the number)

LB Sutton Smith – 51

With Jon Bostic getting kicked to the curb a few hours after the draft concluded it created a number opening that I expect to get filled quickly and that being by Sutton Smith who used to wear 15 during his college days. Should be an easy order change of numbers for this prediction.

Worn last year by LB Jon Bostic who was soon released after the NFL Draft concluded. Most famously worn by LB James Farrior who was the teams 2004 MVP and will probably go down as one of the Greatest Free Agency signings in team history.

DE Isaiah Buggs – 96

Formerly 49 for the Crimson Tide, Defensive Lineman cannot wear numbers in the 40’s in the NFL so I expect Buggs to take one of the only available numbers left in the 90’s here. Maybe he’s into the 70’s for D-Line, but I think 96 will be mighty fine.

Worn last sesason by LT Walton. Not really ever worn by anyone super notable, could throw it up between former first round pick Ziggy Hood from 2009 to 2013 and 2nd round pick Brentson Bucker who was apart of Super Bowl XXX. Played from 1994-1996.

LB Ulysses Gilbert III – 54

Gilbert wore 5 in college so a new number is in order and the double 5 is out because of Bush, so I expect him to find a number in the 50’s. The only other 50 number available besides the ones we just don’t see handed out anymore, I like the fit of Gilbert in 54. He could always go with a number in the 40’s, but I think Gilbert would look great in the 54 left open by the departure of LJ Fort.

Worn last season and few prviously by LJ Fort who departed to the Eagles this offseason. Outside of that Hardy Nickerson wore the number in the 6 Years he was a Steeler, but is most well known for his time on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers being a member of the All 90’s Team.

OL Derwin Gray – 68

This one was just a toss up. Number 55 in college is already taken by first round pick Devin Bush so I have Gray taking one of the few lineman numbers left. He honestly could wear any. Not many care for lineman numbers so this is a true toss up.

The number was last worn by notably by Kelvin Beachum from 2015 to 2018, but was most notably worn by L.C. Greenwood who had one heck of a career and was a part of the famous Steel Curtain.

Twitter: twitter.com/takes_average

Full NFL Mock Draft 1.0 (2 Rounds)

By: Noah Russell

With the NFL Draft this Thursday, I thought, what a better time to make a full mock draft than for today. I tried to write this a few times with the idea of what I think will happen in the NFL, but it is such an unpredictable phenomenon with so many trades we can’t even imagine, I decided to make this draft on what I think each team should do. PLEASE don’t kill me with my picks.

ROUND 1

Pick 1: Arizona Cardinals – IDL Quinnen Williams, Alabama
With all the smokescreens we have been put through by the Cardinals, I think it would be in their best interest to take one of the best players in the draft at a big position of need. No Kyler needed. Trust Rosen, you traded up for him last year give a chance.

Pick 2: San Francisco 49ers – EDGE Nick Bosa, Ohio State
No need to overthink this one, take the best pass rusher available and move on, you can never have too many good ones and Nick Bosa is damn good to say the least, No Brainer move right here.

Pick 3: New York Jets – EDGE Josh Allen, Kentucky
As tempting as Jawaan Taylor was right here, Josh Allen has the potential to be someone special of the EDGE, so it would be a solid decision to secure his services.

Pick 4: Oakland Raiders – EDGE Brian Burns, Florida State
Oakland struggled mightily to generate a good pass rush last season after trading away Khalil Mack, while that decision will be questionable for some time, the best thing they could do is go out and get a very talented rushed in Brian Burns. He has some mixed rankings by some people out there, but he is too good to pass up for Oakland. Maybe this is the surprise pick that has been rumored?

Pick 5: Tampa Bay Buccaneers – LB Devin White, LSU
While losing Kwon Alexander hurts the middle of the defense, it was smart for Tampa to not pay the oft injured linebacker that big price tag especially since they are so tied up cap wise. White has the great athleticism to fill that void and solidify the linebacking core for many years to come.

Pick 6: New York Giants – OT Jawaan Taylor, Florida
Its been known for awhile that the Giants need to protect the QB. They struggled to that many times for the past few years and with a super talented player like Taylor falling into their laps, it is a no brainer for them to select him. Would help immensely in passing downs and help create a few more holes for Saquon.

Pick 7: Jacksonville Jaguars – TE Noah Fant, Iowa
Since they gave Nick Foles a very pretty penny in Free Agency, I think it would be wise to surround him with the type of players he needs to succeed like he did in Philly. Good, athletic TE’s are the perfect solution for this issue and one that would benefit greatly. You can’t go wrong with either Iowa TE in this situation, but I opted for the better receiver in Fant.

Pick 8: Detroit Lions – TE TJ Hockenson, Iowa
Signing Jesse James this off season did help Detroit out a little bit and gave them a solid #2 TE, but they would be very smart to go out and secure themselves a strong #1 TE and elite prospect in TJ Hockenson that can do it all. He would be an instant boost to their offense and become Matt Stafford’s favorite target in no time.

Pick 9: Buffalo Bills – IDL Ed Oliver, Houston
A top 5 prospect available at 9 in a big position of need? Yes Please! If I am Buffalo this is one of my dream scenarios. With the retirement of fan favorite Kyle Williams after last season, what better way than to fill the hole up front with a gamechanger in Oliver. He has elite athleticism and the tape to back it up, easy decision.

Pick 10: Denver Broncos – LB Devin Bush, Michigan
This one killed me to mock as a Steelers fan, but from what I’ve seen online, Bush to Denver seems very likely unless say Devin White were to fall. Easily one of the top LB’s in the draft should come in day 1 and fill the MLB role left open by the loss of Brandon Marshall and certainly could be a major upgrade to the position.

Pick 11: Cincinnati Bengals – QB Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State
For this pick lets say another team already has called dibs on Kyler Murray and for that reason we are giving Zac Taylor his guy in Dwayne Haskins. While I expect most of the top QB’s in the draft to go top 15 just because that is how the NFL is, I wouldn’t put it past the Bengals to hop in on that with a QB Guru Rookie Head Coach that has no ties with Dalton from the old longtime regime.

Pick 12: Green Bay Packers – DB Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Florida
TE is the popular mock pick for the Packers, but with both of the top guys gone, it would be smart to hit their biggest position of need with a super versatile player such as CGJ. The addition of Adrian Amos was huge, but adding a versatile playmaker such as Gardner-Johnson will allow the defense to go to new heights.

Pick 13: Miami Dolphins – OT Jonah Williams, Alabama
This pick makes sense and allows the Dolphins to continue to be below average for next season to get a top QB while still getting a impactful player on the O-Line. Dolphins love SEC players so what better choice than someone that can anchor one of the most important position groups for years to come?

Pick 14: Atlanta Falcons – CB Greedy Williams, LSU
You can go many different directions with this pick on defense, but I chose one that you don’t see often and that is to find a talented high potential CB to go opposite of Desmond Trufant. Christian Wilkins would have been a easy pick to make here as well, but someone with as high of a ceiling and playmaking abilities as Greedy, I think this would be a great addition.

Pick 15: Washington Redskins – WR DK Metcalf, Ole Miss
Finally, the first receiver to come off of the board. Metcalf is a genetic freak and if developed and utilized properly he will haunt secondaries for many years to come. Don’t look too far into his poor agilities because those issues just don’t show up on tape at all. Whoever drafts him is getting a stud. You could easily argue Murray here, but I chose take a generational talent receiver.

Pick 16: Carolina Panthers – EDGE Clelin Ferrell, Clemson
Clelin Ferrell is GOOD. I don’t know where this narrative came up of him not being good. Its just silly to me. He has the tape, he has the on field production even against the best OT in this draft and drafts to come. He doesn’t have that elite testing, but he is a stud player nonetheless.

Pick 17: New York Giants – QB Kyler Murray, Oklahoma
Like I said before, some team already called dibs on Kyler and we see who did. I’m not completely sold on Murray personally, but from what I saw in college the dude can play. He’ll easily be a Top 5 pick and rightfully so because he has a ton of potential, I just cant get behind him with all the top level defensive talent there is in this draft, but I would love to see Kyler and Saquon for years to come especially with Jawaan Taylor adding to the mix.

Pick 18: Minnesota Vikings – IOL Garrett Bradberry, NC State
The Vikings have a big need for O-Line help and since they’ve recently switched to an outside zone scheme, what better way to sure up that line than with the very talented and athletic Bradberry. He can play and should have a huge impact right away.

Pick 19: Tennessee Titans – EDGE Montez Sweat, Mississippi St.
You could very easily sell me on IOL here for the Titans, but I decided to give them a the very speedy and talented Montez Sweat to pair with Harold Landry for many years to come. With the signing of Cameron Wake it takes the need to play Sweat right away and gives him a proven veteran to look up to and model his game after. Wake is old, 37 to be exact, and his career is coming to an end soon so get the best available EDGE to take his place when he leaves. Remember you can never have too many good pass rushers.

Pick 20: Pittsburgh Steelers – DB Darnell Savage, Maryland
With reports surfacing that the Steelers are going to select Rock Ya Sin with this pick. *CRYING* I just have to pray that they don’t really evaluate DB’s that bad to the point of taking a round 3 player this early like they did last year. With that being said, Savage at 20 may be a slight reach, but no way he falls to 52 so why not take a super versatile DB that has the ability to make plays on the ball, something that the Steelers could not do last year. He can play, safety, corner, nickel, dime backer, etc. Anything you need, Darnell Savage can do it for you and is my personal choice for 20 if the board were to fall similar to this.

Pick 21: Seattle Seahawks – EDGE Rashan Gary, Michigan
Filling a hole such as Frank Clarks after the trade might not be easy, but someone that has as big of potential as Gary could certainly soften the blow. Elite athleticism in testing and not a lot of production will allow him to fall to Seattle here and they should take advantage and get themselves a high ceiling player.

Pick 22: Baltimore Ravens – IOL Erik McCoy, Texas A&M
You could very easily mock any of the top WR’s here and it be okay, but with running the ball being the Ravens identity, it would be smart to add to the line with someone as talented as McCoy filling up the middle of that O-Line.

Pick 23: Houston Texans – OL Cody Ford, Oklahoma
You have to protect Deshaun Watson at ALL COSTS. Period. No questions asked. He is way too important to have him on the ground after every other play like it seems to have happened last year. Since their weren’t that many moves made by them in Free Agency, it looks as if Houston plans to draft O-Line heavy in order to protect their franchise QB for years to come especially with someone as talented as Ford.

Pick 24: Oakland Raiders – CB Byron Murphy, Washington
Based off of how the board fell and the top need of EDGE already filled it makes sense to take one of the best players available at one of your next top positions of need. With the safety need met by the signing Joyner, giving them top CB prospect Murphy opposite of Conley will help the struggling pass rush even more by locking down opposing receivers. This should help Burns get many sacks with the new lockdown duo.

Pick 25: Philadelphia Eagles – WR Deebo Samuel, South Carolina
I‘ve been hearing a lot of rumblings about this pick being Marquise Brown, but I can’t get behind that round 1 for the reason of his foot injury. Lisfranc Fracture is one that can drag out for a long time and for player whos game is built on speed, it could definitely hurt it, so I decided to take the next best thing at receiver and give the Eagles Samuel who is a PLAYMAKER. Dude is a threat to score whenever he touches the ball and is one of the top polished receivers in this class. He’s never really had a great QB so giving him Wentz could be huge and would help make the potential future loss of Agholor much easier.

Pick 26: Indianapolis Colts – IDL Christian Wilkins, Clemson
The Colts have quite a few holes that could be filled up here with this pick, but with a very early 2nd, pick 34, why not take one of the best available IDL who just fell right into their hands. Getting a top 15 player this late into round one is truly a gift especially for a talented team like the Colts with a big need here. He will cause fits for the rest of the league on the already surging Colts.

Pick 27: Oakland Raiders – TE Irv Smith, Alabama
This may be a little early to take a Irv Smith, but with quite a few teams near the end of the round needing TE’s, I think it would be smart to take one while you can and not taking the risk of losing out on top tier talent. Josh Jacobs could be in play especially with Marshawn Lynch retiring, but their are plenty of other good backs left so you can take the gamble on him falling. Smith will look scary good in the silver and black.

Pick 28: Los Angeles Chargers – OT Dalton Risner, Kansas State
IDL could very easily be the pick right here, but Risner can scary good and help boost an already strong Chargers offense. Giving Rivers even more protection during the last few years of his career will be huge and will give Melvin Gordon plenty of benefits too with the technician that is Risner.

Pick 29: Seattle Seahawks – S Nassir Adderley, Delaware
Already filling the need for an EDGE after the loss of Frank Clark, the next thing Seattle can do is fill the void left by losing Safety Earl Thomas in Free Agency. Adderley may be a small school prospect, but the dude can play and that’s what Seattle is going to need to replace ball hawk that was Thomas. I would entertain trading back here as well especially since Seattle only has 5 picks in this draft.

Pick 30: Green Bay Packers – OT Andre Dillard, Washington State
With all the top TE’s gone and their top need of safety already filled, why not get one of the more attractive O-Line prospects to add to you offense. With a need at the position, why not take a guy that is big, fast, and fluid and will certainly be a strong addition to the Packers line.

Pick 31: Los Angeles Rams – EDGE Chase Winovich, Michigan
The Rams coming off their Super Bowl loss don’t see, to have too many glaring needs, but after only giving Dante Fowler a short term deal, why not get one of the better EDGE rushers left here in the first round. While Winovich will be 24 by the time the season starts, he is a high effort guy that will strengthen the already strong Rams pass rush and will have quite the impact especially with how polished he is as a rusher and the surprising athleticism shown at the combine this year.

Pick 32: New England Patriots – IDL Jeffery Simmons, Mississippi St.
I don’t know how they do it, but they did it. The Patriots have managed to luck themselves into a top 15 talent guy that if it wasn’t for an injury suffered from training for the draft would go much higher. He can very easily sit out the year and won’t have too much of a negative impact on the defending Super Bowl Champs. The Patriots did it last year in lucking their way into Isiah Wynn and will do the same this year with Simmons.

ROUND 2

Pick 33: Arizona Cardinals – IOL Chris Lindstrom, Boston College

Pick 34: Indianapolis Colts – CB Amani Oruwariye, Penn State

Pick 35: Oakland Raiders – RB Josh Jacobs, Alabama

Pick 36: San Francisco 49ers – WR Hakeem Butler, Iowa State

Pick 37: New York Giants – CB Deandre Baker, Georgia

Pick 38: Jacksonville Jaguars – OT Yodny Cajuste, WVU

Pick 39: Tampa Bay Buccaneers – EDGE Jachai Polite, Florida

Pick 40: Buffalo Bills – WR AJ Brown, Ole Miss

Pick 41: Denver Broncos – IDL Jerry Tillery, Notre Dame

Pick 42: Cincinnati Bengals – LB Mack Wilson, Alabama

Pick 43: Detroit Lions – CB Sean Bunting, Central Michigan

Pick 44: Green Bay Packers – TE Jace Sternberger, Texas A&M

Pick 45: Atlanta Falcons – IDL Dexter Lawrence, Clemson

Pick 46: Washington Redskins – IOL Michael Dieter, Wisconsin

Pick 47: Carolina Panthers – S Juan Thornhill, Virginia

Pick 48: Miami Dolphins – QB Drew Lock, Missouri

Pick 49: Cleveland Browns – DB Amani Hooker, Iowa

Pick 50: Minnesota Vikings – IDL Charles Omenihu, Texas

Pick 51: Tennessee Titans – IOL Dru Samia, Oklahoma

Pick 52: Pittsburgh Steelers – WR N’Keal Harry, Arizona State

Pick 53: Philadelphia Eagles – S Deionte Thompson, Alabama

Pick 54: Houston Texans – IOL Elgton Jenkins, Mississippi St.

Pick 55: Houston Texans – S Taylor Rapp, Washington

Pick 56: New England Patriots – EDGE Christian Miller, Alabama

Pick 57: Philadelphia Eagles – OT Kaleb McGary, Washington

Pick 58: Dallas Cowboys – S Johnatan Abraham, Mississippi St.

Pick 59: Indianapolis Colts – WR JJ Arcega-Whiteside, Stanford

Pick 60: San Diego Chargers – WR Kelvin Harmon, NC State

Pick 61: Kansas City Chiefs – CB Julian Love, Notre Dame

Pick 62: New Orleans Saints – TE Dax Raymond, Utah State

Pick 63: Kansas City Chiefs – LB Blake Cashman, Minnesota

Pick 64: New England Patriots – WR Marquise Brown, Oklahoma

Steelers Mock Draft #2

Featured

By: Noah Russell

First off, I want to preface this by apologizing for how long it took me to make this. I’ve been extremely busy with school and Springball, so I haven’t really found the time and motivation for myself to finish this. Also, let me know if you would like to see a mock for different teams, Thanks again, Noah.

For this mock, I decided to change it up a little bit and go a different route than the previous one I did due to the new information that has surfaced in the past month with visits, etc.; link here: https://averagetakes.home.blog/2019/03/14/first-steelers-mock-3-14-19/. I got a lot of support on that one, and I greatly appreciate it more than you know, but for this one I figured better not be repetitive and do the exact same picks, even though I am a huge fan of the ones I made. This might get a little weird, but lets just remember, not everything always goes as planned come draft night.

1st Round Pick 20 – LB Devin Bush, Michigan

The exact same pick I mocked not too long ago, he’s exactly what the Steelers need since the loss of Ryan Shazier. It is very popular for him to be mocked here, and he would certainly have a strong impact from the start. The addition of Mark Barron via Free Agency brings a safety net in case Bush gets selected earlier, but it does not move the needle the same way that the signing of Steven Nelson did for the CB position. All in all, if Devin Bush is there come the time the Steelers’ pick rolls around, I fully expect him to be in the Black and Gold.

2nd Round Pick 52 – DB/DIME Darnell Savage, Maryland

PLAYMAKERS!! That’s what the Steelers need and that is what Darnell Savage is. Another returning player from my previous mock draft, but at a much higher pick. Savage has the ability to slot in anywhere on the defense. He can play both safety positions, slot cornerback, and his most likely destination would be at linebacker in Dime. With the release of Morgan Burnett, there became a bigger hole at this position. Burnett wasn’t amazing at this spot, but his departure leads there to be only two true safeties on this roster that had any sort of playing time, Sean Davis and last years first rounder, Terrell Edmunds. Savage is a stud, and was one of the few safeties brought in by Pittsburgh in the pre-daft process.

3rd Round Pick 66 (From Raiders) – WR Kelvin Harmon, NC State

Harmon is finally someone new brought to this mock. He has seemed to have fallen out of the conversation lately as a first round pick due to his average to below average speed testing at the combine (4.6 40-yard dash), but that shouldn’t make anyone shy away from him. He is the prototypical X-receiver. He has spectacular ball skills and a great combination of size and strength (6’3″, 220; 18 Bench Reps). Even without burning speed, he still has the ability to get open and make plays. He also possess some of the best release skills out of anyone in this class. I think with the combination of Big Ben’s ability to throw receivers open and Harmon’s elite catching radius/skills, he will help alleviate the loss of Antonio Brown a little bit.

3rd Round Pick 83 – RB Miles Sanders, Penn State

While some may argue how much of a need the RB position is for the Steelers, I would be perfectly fine with them waiting until Day 2 to select one. With Conner yet to prove his durability and Jaylen Samuels lacking strong traits, I don’t think there would be a better person to pick than Miles Sanders. A local guy from Woodland Hills would be a perfect fit in the Pittsburgh backfield. He is someone that people would argue as RB1 and possibly a first round candidate, but in this simulation he fell right into our laps at 83. Backing up Saquon Barkley for his first 2 years before becoming the starter last year has kept off some wear and tear on his body, but has also brought inexperience with only 276 career carries. All in all, he is a very talented RB that adds versatility all around in the offense and can make an impact Day 1.

4th Round Pick 122 – WR Mecole Hardman, Georgia

Hardman is FAST! He ran a 4.33 40 and is a heck of an athlete, but that’s not all when it comes to Hardman. Hardman had a limited route tree when he was at Georgia, but could be an all around playmaker in Pittsburgh’s offense. He has good route running skills and the RAC ability and IQ to take the ball to the house on almost every play. He is also a very capable returner, doing both kick and punt return at his time in Georgia. He does have some size concerns at 5’10” 185, but he will be an electric player for anyone that drafts him.

5th Round Pick 141 (From Raiders) – TE Foster Moreau, LSU

The need for a #2 TE is much bigger than it has been advertised recently. Foster Moreau turned some heads after running a 4.66 40 during the combine. At 6’4″ 255, Moreau has a lot to offer as a potential #2 TE. Used mainly as a blocker during his time at LSU, Moreau seems to have untapped athletic potential that didn’t seem to be utilized during his time with the Tigers. Should offer good and much needed competition with Xavier Grimble for the #2 spot.

6th Round Pick 175 (From Raiders) – CB Mark Fields, Clemson

Fields can be the hidden gem of this CB class. Not a lot of playing time on a very talented Clemson defense logging under 1000 snaps in his career could bring up some concern, but talent doesn’t seem to be the issue. Fields had arguably the best game of his career against one of the best receiving cores in the National Championship game versus Alabama. He has some really good speed and the ability to play well from both the slot and outside, but the curiosity on why he could never get real playing time will allow him to fall to this point.

6th Round Pick 192 – EDGE/LB Jordan Brailford, OK St.

Shrine Game MVP, Jordan Brailford has the opportunity to supply good depth and competition to the Steeler’s OLB group. Has special teams value, something Ola Adeniyi doesn’t have. Had 10 sacks in 2018 and could be good value at this point in the draft. He even got some off ball linebacker reps near the end of last season.

A 6th Round Pick 207 (From Cardinals) – K Matt Gay, Utah

To help avoid dealing with taking the leftovers in UDFA, the Steelers would be wise to select a kicker, especially with the struggles Boswell went through last season. There should be good competition this year between Boswell, McCrane, and whoever they draft/sign in free agency. Gay is someone that has good leg power and has experience in kicking in cold/bad weather so he would be a solid competition piece for the Steelers.

7th Round Pick 219 (From Buccaneers) – OG Garrett Brumfield, LSU

While the Steelers could certainly sign an UDFA for the offensive line, I think it would be better to draft one in the later rounds just so you can get your guy instead of having to fight the 31 other teams for them where they could go to a team with lesser talent and depth at the position than the Steelers do. OG isn’t a glaring need, but Ramon Foster is getting old and Finney only on a one year deal, it would be wise to invest for the future in the O-Line. Brumfield could use some time on the practice squad to develop, but with the success the Steelers have had with developing talent in this position, he could become a solid depth piece.

UNDRAFTED FREE AGENTS

CB Stephen Denmark, Valdosta (D2)

EDGE Andrew Van Ginkel, Wisconsin

S Dravon Askew-Henry, West Virginia

RB Ty Johnson, Maryland

RB Darrin Hall, Pittsburgh

S BJ Blunt, McNeese St.

LB Quincy Williams, Murray State

*First Mock Draft* – https://averagetakes.home.blog/2019/03/14/first-steelers-mock-3-14-19/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/takes_average

Steelers FA: Mark Barron

By: Noah Russell

In an offseason where the Steelers have already made 2 outside free agency signings, they surprised us and made 1 more. Mark Barron, formerly of the Los Angeles Rams, appears to be headed to Pittsburgh on a 2 year $12 million deal. This signing means a lot to the Steelers when you look at it.

1.) The first thing it means is that it most likely signifies Morgan Burnett is gone due to Barron’s abilities to play dime backer. We probably won’t see Burnett cut until after the draft sometime since it will in fact save the team more cap space.

2.) It brings a solid zone coverage linebacker to the team and should alleviate Jon Bostic of his starting duties. Barron brings above average athleticism, stout run defense, decent coverage skills, and strong tackling.

3.) With the Steelers now addressing their 3 biggest needs heading into the offseason, it allows them to have flexibility come draft day. With the 3 needs addressed, the team can select the Best Player Available and should hopefully alleviate the idea of reaching for a lesser player like in years past with Artie Burns, Terrell Edmunds, etc.

4.) Another interesting implication this signing brings is the possibility of giving the Steelers the chance to trade up in the draft. With 10 picks, and their needs at least addressed a little bit, we could see the Steelers moving up into the teens to hopefully select Devin Bush should he slide past Cincy at 11.

While Barron might not be a long term answer to the Steeler’s linebacker woes since the injury to Shazier, he certainly brings an upgrade to a defensive unit that could certainly use a bit more athleticism at the ILB position. Also, even though he is listed as a LB/S hybrid, he almost was a full time LB in recent years so don’t expect him to be taking any safety snaps other than dime backer.

All in all, the signing is certainly an upgrade to the Steelers defensive unit and most likely is a deal that should allow the Steelers to get out after 1 year if it doesn’t work out the way we hope. All the flexibility that comes with this is the most exciting thing and I can’t wait to see what is instore come draft weekend and looking further into a “new” Steelers team come fall.

**For a full break down of what were getting with Mark Barron, I highly recommend you check out the article written by Alex Kozora of Steelersdepot with his film review of Barron: https://steelersdepot.com/2019/03/film-room-the-good-bad-and-ugly-of-mark-barron/

*For a decent mock draft that can go with these check out my first one I wrote yesterday* – https://averagetakes.home.blog/2019/03/14/first-steelers-mock-3-14-19/

Also Follow My Twitter: https://twitter.com/takes_average