We’ve had a little time to digest everything that was the 2020 NFL draft for the Pittsburgh Steelers. We’ve gone back and watched film of all the prospects the Steelers selected and signed and now feel confident in making some bold predictions about this class. Some apply to this season and some are more big picture but they highlight how fascinating this draft class is.
Chase Claypool ends up a tight end
We understand this is in name only but looking down the road, Claypool could end up being more of a George Kittle type of player as opposed to Calvin Johnson. It won’t happen this season but if Claypool is going to be elite it will be in that sort of role.
Anthony McFarland Jr. is the starter in 2021
I had to admit I was skeptical of this pick when it happened but McFarland’s rushing style has really started to grow on me. As great of a story James Conner is, this prediction means he either isn’t re-signed after this season or is relegated to a reserve role. But McFarland’s ability to break off big runs is just too necessary in today’s NFL to keep him off the field.
Alex Highsmith can’t beat out Ola Adeniyi
For this season at least, we are predicting Adeniyi holds off rookie Highsmith as the primary backup edge rusher behind T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree. I’d love to make a bold prediction about which guy starts in 2021 when Dupree leaves in free agency but I really want to see what Highsmith does against NFL competition before I just hand him the starting spot.
Kevin Dotson starts in 2021
I’m still trying to wrap my head around why an All-American guard with so much great film slipped to the fourth round. Perhaps because he didn’t attend the combine and partially because he played next to an elite tackle. But make no mistake, Dotson in an NFL starter. It’s unlikely he starts in 2020 unless there’s an injury but one year of NFL coaching should have him ready to go.
