The Pittsburgh Steelers 2020 NFL draft class is in a tough spot. The cancelation of the preseason creates an uncomfortable spot for rookies. Those preseason games are where first-year players can shine and earn their chance to carry that success over to the regular season.
Having said that, Pittsburgh has a very strong rookie class. Fortunately, none of them should be asked to contribute a great deal right out of the gate. Nevertheless, Steelers fans understand how quickly injuries can pile up and when they do it is literally all hands on deck.
We are going to run through the Steelers rookies and speculate a little about what the best-case scenario is for each of them.
WR-Chase Claypool
Right now Claypool is staring up at three receivers ahead of him on the depth chart. His size and athleticism are promising but even with a healthy return of Ben Roethlisberger, catches will be limited. The best thing that could happen for Claypool this season is if he can find himself a niche in red-zone sets. His willingness to block definitely helps his case and his build gives the look of a hybrid wide receiver/tight end. He won’t see a ton of catches but could end up high on the list of receiving touchdowns.
EDGE-Alex Highsmith
The Highsmith pick was definitely one with an eye to the future. It’s a good possibility Bud Dupree will be gone after this season, leaving a spot in the starting lineup for Highsmith opposite T.J. Watt. But for this year Highsmith could end up the primary third edge defender if he can hold off Ola Adeniyi. It doesn’t matter who is on the field, the Steelers expect pressure on the quarterback. I might be a little optimistic here but I look for 5-7 sacks this season.
RB-Anthony McFarland Jr.
I have to admit I didn’t share the enthusiasm about the McFarland pick that many did. His speed is great and the film on him is solid. But he is currently fourth on the depth chart at best on the depth chart and on a Mike Tomlin coached team that’s bad news. The best thing that could happen for McFarland is the team decides to cut ties with Jaylen Samuels and he can leapfrog Kerrith Whyte to start the regular season No. 3 on the depth chart. But if he can do it, there won’t be a ton of touches. Best case for McFarland as a rookie could be if wins the spot as starting kick returner.
S-Antoine Brooks Jr.
Brooks might have been the Steelers sixth-round pick but he could be the rookie who plays the most this season. Terrell Edmunds, a former first-round pick, has underperformed and Brooks bring all the skills needed to pair up with Minkah Fitzpatrick in the secondary. Brooks is an aggressive player, a big hitter and very smart. He won’t steal a starting spot but given the depth Pittsburgh has at safety, being the team’s No. 3 is not out of the question.
