A week into training camp it is time to take a look at what people are saying about the Pittsburgh Steelers rookie class. There’s a ton of pressure on this group to come in and perform quickly. Thus far, a few rookies have stolen most of the headlines but let’s review the whole class up until now.
First round-LB Devin Bush Jr.
Bush has been everything advertised and more. His speed and athleticism are evident and he’s growing quickly into a leadership role on the defense. It was expensive to go up and get Bush in the draft but so far he seems to be well worth it.
Grade: A
Third round-WR Diontae Johnson
The other rookie drawing rave reviews this week has been Johnson. His quickness off the line, smooth route running and deep speed make him look like a veteran. Johnson is looking to replace Antonio Brown so he has to be great.
Grade: A
Third round-CB Justin Layne
The Steelers drafted Layne because he has a very high ceiling and tremendous potential. So far through one week of practice, there have been highs and lows for him. One practice his speed and length are on display with pass breakups and the next he’s getting trucked by JuJu Smith-Schuster in a blocking drill and giving up touchdowns.
Grade: B-
Fourth round-Benny Snell Jr.
We loved the pick of Snell the instant it happened and he’s don’t nothing to dissuade us from loving the pick since. Snell is the perfect pairing with James Conner as both guys love to deliver a blow and wear down a defense. So far Snell has been great at camp and still has a chance to end up the No. 2 back on the depth chart.
Grade: A-
Fifth round-TE Zach Gentry
The news surrounding Gentry hasn’t been great. But if you watched him play at Michigan this shouldn’t come as a surprise. Gentry isn’t much of a blocker and doesn’t run good routes. At this point he’s got a long way to go to make the gameday roster ahead of Xavier Grimble.
Grade: D
Sixth round-LB Sutton Smith
Smith continues to move between edge rusher and fullback. Will this little experiment work out and what is the team’s goal with Smith? Who knows but he’s flashed some explosion off the edge and his versatility should help keep him on the team.
Grade: B-
Sixth round-DE Isaiah Buggs
Unfortunately there has been almost new news about Buggs so far. This doesn’t mean he hasn’t done well, it’s just he hasn’t stood out either positive or negative to this point. Buggs is a near-lock to make the team but so far things have been very quiet in terms of his play.
Grade: Incomplete
Sixth round-LB Ulysees Gilbert III
Gilbert came into the NFL known for his closing speed and at training camp he’s definitely shown that. The problems he had in coverage in college are still there but as long as you keep him going downhill he can make plays.
Grade: C+
Seventh round-OL Derwin Gray
On Wednesday, Gray had to leave practice with fatigue-related concerns. When this is your one highlight of camp, things aren’t going great. Gray does have some upside but so far there’s been very little positive to report.
