The 2019 NFL draft class of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks to be one of the most exciting groups in the last several drafts. There are multiple players who were impact guys in college and should see the field early in their careers. Here are some far-too-early stats predictions for the top rookies.
LB Devin Bush
The star of the show is Bush. If he isn’t in the starting lineup from Week One something is wrong. I look for him to rack up big tackle numbers in his first year as well as add some turnovers to the mix.
Tackles-88 total
Sacks-2
Interceptions-2
Forced fumbles/fumbles recovered-3
WR Diontae Johnson
Someone has to get the reps across from JuJu Smith-Schuster so it may as well be Johnson. I’m not sold on him as a prospect yet but let’s assume for this season he ends up more of a rotational guy with players like James Washington and Donte Moncrief. If we figure in three guys splitting those reps, Johnson should still have a solid rookie campaign.
Receptions-34
Receiving yards-530
Receiving touchdowns-3
CB Justin Layne
The Steelers have a solid rotation of cornerbacks going into the season so snaps will be hard to come by for Layne. But with his ball skills and the likely matchups he could see as the fourth cornerback, he could have a couple of turnovers in limited reps.
Tackles-18
Interceptions-2
RB Benny Snell Jr.
No one wants to see Snell have a big rookie year more than I do. I’d love to see him as part of a two-man rushing attack with James Conner. But I think we all know this isn’t how head coach Mike Tomlin does business. Snell is going to end up relegated to mop-up duty unless Conner gets hurt. And even then he has to contend with Jaylen Samuels.
Rushing yards-219
Receiving yards-57
Total touchdowns-3
