With just over a week to the 2020 NFL draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers are putting the final touches on their draft plans under highly unusual circumstances. We all love to pretend we are in charge of the Steelers so I thought I’d give you my rules for how this draft would go if I were general manager Kevin Colbert.
I would trade up into the Top 100
The Steelers only have one pick in the Top 100 this year. They should have a great opportunity to draft an impact player with pick No. 49. But if I were the GM, I’d take pick No. 102 and package it with one fo the team’s two fourth-round picks to move up into the middle of the third round where they can snag another bigtime rookie in this class.
Run to the podium in the second if Jalen Reagor is there
There are a few things every team needs in today’s NFL. One of those things is team speed. In watching this team last season, putting aside the horrific quarterback play, a lack of team speed was evident. Reager has the type of speed that can force defenses to account for it. Wide receiver might not be a top draft need but you can’t pass on a player who can have a profound impact on the rest of the offense.
Keep it safe
Without proper FNL draft prep, the Steelers have to be conservative in their picks. Whether it is a health red flag or character concerns, I would not roll the dice this year without being able to properly investigate these concerns, I just err on the side of caution and pass.
I’m drafting Jalen Hurts in the third round
I know quarterback isn’t the team’s top need but if Pittsburgh goes on the clock in the third round and Hurts is still on the board, I draft him regardless of other needs. His drive, work ethic and athleticism are elite and his ceiling in this modern NFL is high.
I don’t let free agency dictate the draft
Pittsburgh went to great lengths to fill multiple needs in free agency including tight end offensive guard and defensive tackle. But with so many interesting prospects in this draft, I don’t pass on any of these positions in the draft. If an elite defensive tackle falls to the second round, the addition of Chris Wormley wouldn’t deter me from drafting them.
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