Redemption; The Return To Steelers Football. The 2019 Steelers Draft Class Review

Hello brothers and sisters of TheSteelersFans and welcome! AskQuestionsLater here, bringing you my review of the 2019 Steelers Draft. A lot of us wanted Pittsburgh to enact on some of their draft plans heading into Nashville. Did they accomplish their mission?! In addition, what will these players do for not only the present but future?!



As always though, before we begin, a disclaimer:



These written statements by the author do not reflect nor are shared opinions of members of TheSteelersFans Message Board, Staff Members and/or Site Administrator.



Now then, let us jump right into the selections themselves! A quick recap for anyone who may have not had the time to watch. Here we go!



2019 Steelers Draft Selections:



Round One. Pick 10 (Acquired from Denver).


Details: Pittsburgh trades pick 20, pick 52 and their 2020 third round pick in exchange for pick number 10.


Pittsburgh Steelers selection:



Devin Bush Jr.; Linebacker from the University of Michigan




Round Two: Traded to Denver




Round Three. Pick 66 (acquired from Oakland).


Details: Pittsburgh trades Antonio Brown in exchange for picks 66 and 142.


Pittsburgh Steelers selection:


Diontae Johnson: Wide Receiver from the University of Toledo.





Round Three. Pick 84. Pittsburgh Steelers selection:


Justin Layne: Cornerback from Michigan State University





Round Four. Pick 123. Pittsburgh Steelers selection:


Benny Snell Jr. Running Back from the University of Kentucky.





Round Five. Pick 142 (acquired from Oakland).


Details: Pittsburgh trades Antonio Brown in exchange for picks 66 and 142.


Pittsburgh Steelers selection:


Zach Gentry: Tight End from the University of Michigan.




Round Six. Pick 176 (acquired from Oakland.


Details: Pittsburgh trades pick 149 to Oakland in exchange for Ryan Switzer and pick 176.


Pittsburgh Steelers selection:


Sutton Smith: Defensive End from Northern Illinois University




Round Six. Pick 194.


Pittsburgh Steelers selection:


Isaiah Buggs: Defensive End from the University of Alabama.




Round Six. Pick 209 (Aquired from Arizona).


Details: Pittsburgh trades Marcus Gilbert to Arizona in exchange for pick 209.


Pittsburgh Steelers selection:


Ulysees Gilbert III: Linebacker from the University of Akron.



Round Seven. Pick 221.



Pittsburgh Steelers selection:



Darwin Gary: Offensive Tackle from the University of Maryland.




Here is it everyone! All nine players! With that out of the way, let us see what these players can do, why they are here and what could they provide for the future! Let us head to the post analysis



Post Analysis:



Pick 10. Devin Bush Jr.:



This one is kind of obvious. Art Rooney II jokingly said it himself; worst kept secret of the draft. I cannot blame him though as Bush Jr. seems to be that playmaking linebacker this defense so desperately needs. Now, before I begin, Devin Bush Jr. follows a theme of 1st Round picks since 2017 outside of the family bloodlines. Some of you who have been on the site for a while know where I am going with this key point of emphasis so, as opposed to type the same aspects all over again, a tweet is much more sufficient!







All that said, Colbert, Tomlin and Rooney II all stated the same aspect dating back to February 1st onward; playmakers on defense. Someone who can ignite an impact play. Someone who can cause havoc in the backfield. Someone who is exceptional in their area of expertise. Devin Bush Jr. seems to fit the bill for the team. From defending the run to defending the pass to blitzing, there really is not much that Bush Jr. cannot do. Block shedding is definitely an issue for me but I do believe he can improve in time in that regard for certain. Overall, Bush Jr. is the pick because, since Ryan Shazier's injury, the Steelers defense simply has not been the same. Devin Bush Jr., while he cannot replace Shazier entirely, can yield a similar impact for the team.


As to how Bush Jr will contribute?! Immediately and after the retirement of Big Ben. Hopefully Pittsburgh can acqurie number seven before seven himself retires. That way, Bush Jr. will be more acclimated to the high stakes nature of the NFL as a whole when Mason Rudolph is ready. For me, he is either a dark horse DROY (Defensive Rookie of the Year) candidate or DROY with Pro Bowl honors.




Pick 66. Diontae Johnson:


The first of the two players from the Antonio Brown acquisition. Dionate Johnson was... well... definitely not within my targets Pittsburgh could draft. I mean, players like Hakeem Butler were available in Round Three. In addition, D.K. Metcalf was the final pick in Round Two so trading up to a team such as Arizona could have been in the cards. Instead, Pittsburgh stood pat and took yet another electrifying player from the MAC. Much like Antonio Brown before him, both share near identical traits in terms of their abilities. Both are quicker than fast, explosive, have sure hands and can create something from nothing on any given play. The difference though in terms of their college production are the following; Catches, YAC and receiving touchdowns. Here are their career totals;


Antonio Brown:


Catches: 305

YAC: 10.5 Avg.

Receiving Touchdowns: 22




Diontae Johnson:


Catches: 135

YAC: 16.6 Avg.

Receiving Touchdowns: 23




Now I know that the catch disparity is very high but I would not look into it too much. Unlike Brown, Johnson did have some assistance in his receiving corps in the name of Jon'Vea Johnson: 125 of his own catches for 25 Receiving Touchdowns. For Antonio Brown, beyond him, there really was not too many other options. Add his now known "Me First" attitude and the picture itself becomes a bit clearer. Diontae could have enacted the same level of traits but chose not to; high marks for me for not doing so.


As stated above, Diontae Johnson is one of two players who will forever be linked with Antonio Brown due to the trade. How he helps now is he can push for a starting spot beginning with Eli Rogers and then against Ryan Switzer. Should he be able to do that, he will be the team's Primary slot option. However his abilities do not end there. Johnson's abilities in Kick and Punt returns; a staple for Steelers Receivers, allows him to function as the Kick or Punt Returner early on as well. In terms for the future?! Primary slot option while being the team's primary Special Teams return man.



Overall, his floor is a big play option while contributing to Special Teams. His ceiling his the primary slot option who can be interchangeable with being a Special Teams star.



Pick 84: Justin Layne:


Ah yes, here we go again. The Wideout to Corner player again. However, unlike Brian Allen, who is likely going to be a Free Safety, Justin actually understands some of the fundementals and basics of being one. Keep in mind he was a Four Star Recruit as a Wideout and changed to Corner the minute he got to Michigan State although sparingly. Went full time the year later and he became accustomed to it. His free fall though is what intriguied me; I had him ranked 32 on my Big Board and thought he would have gone in Round One. Round Three though?! Absolute steal; second only to L.A.'s Nasir Adderley.



Given Pittsburgh's recent history of drafting cornerbacks, I could understand some of the skeptics overall point of view. However, much of the issues I saw with Brian Allen I do not see with Justin. For one, Justin was far more productive in Year Two than Brian was. Eight pass deflections to three is quite the notable stat here. That showcases ball skills. If eight was not enough, try fifteen for Layne in year two compared to Allen's six. Sure, Allen has more interceptions with five to Layne's three but Allen does not have the ball skills Layne does. Add his tackle totals and one comes up with a well rounded corner who simply needs some more fine tuning and not one who needs some serious tuning.



In short?! Among the top three picks that Pittsburgh acquired this draft, Justin Layne is my personal favorite. Not just because he has ball skills. Not just because he is an elite athlete. He is because, among the positions that seriously need a boost on defense, corner could have been argued to be even greater than Inside Linebacker. Acquiring a near consenus First Round Talent to Round Three is nothing short of incredible. He helps now and for the future because Artie Burns is... well... done for, who knows if/when Cameron Sutton will get it, Brian Allen is, at the time of this writing, listed as the backup Free Safety on the Official Teams Depth Chart and Mike Hilton is likely staying in the slot unless he regresses even worse.



I would project his floor as the fourth corner in the dime package. He will likely also be the primary backup to both Steve Nelson and Joe Haden. His ceiling?! Would it be possible for Steve Nelson to operate on the inside should Mike Hilton have a down season again and have Layne on the outside?! I would not rule that out entirely.



Pick 123. Benny Snell Jr.



Another power Running Back?! I do not see why not myself. Being young at
21 does not hurt either. Being productive though will garner the Steelers attention. Going back to Steelers Running Backs being drafted since 2013, Benny Snell has more Total Touchdowns than any other Steelers player in that span; 48 to his credit. Here are the rest of the Running Backs dating back from 2013 to now and, keep in mind, I am accounting for three years as Snell opted to forgo his Seinor Season;


Le’Veon Bell: 34
James Conner: 34
Jaylen Samuels: 47
Benny Snell Jr.: 48



Best part?! All of Snell Jr's production was pure running. Nothing else. Sure, he is very limited as a receiving based option but that is not his role here. He is the quintessential, throwback Steelers Running Back; grind down the clock while wearing out defenses. His style of Running might bore some but to me, he fits perfectly. Snell Jr. helps the team now due in part to James Conner not being able to yet complete a full season. While Jaylen Samuels can be a good spell to James, having a short yardage to goal line back like Snell Jr, who thrives on punishment, is a much safer bet. In addition, this free up Samuels to work in the slot or even go to the outside should that time ever come. In the future, Snell will complete the Steelers three headed monster at Running Back; Pittsburgh having all the options they need for Running the football in whatever form they so desire for whatever the situation.



Benny's floor would be merely just a short yardage/goal line specialist. Ceiling would be the primary backup to Conner/Samuels.




Pick 142. Zach Gentry:



A Tight End was needed to replace Jesse James and add depth. To that end, acquiring one was a point of emphasis. That being said, not too many people, if any, saw the likes of Zach Gentry coming. Now, I understand the appeal the Steelers see in him; akin to what they saw in Chuks last season somewhat; very raw but very promising. Zach Gentry to me, is not a bad player. The issue though overall is who Pittsburgh has starting here; Vance McDonald. He has never completed a 16 game season.... ever. That is a major issue. Yes, Xaiver Grimble can be a spot starter but he does not have the skillset Vance brings.



Zach is definitely a developmental option. That being said, I do not see a wasted pick here. I do like the fact that he (hopefully) does not have to be thrusted into the lineup here. In addition, being 6'8 means that he is a potential Red Zone assest in the future. For now though, he needs to sit out and head to the weight room. All that said though, he does help the team now as the team now has depth in the Tight End position, albeit shaky at best. Zach here is definitely part of a longer initiative of Pittsburgh's future. Hopefully James Daniels can mold him into something.



Now, his floor is well... not seeing the field at all barring some serious injury. His ceiling would be another Red Zone option, should he push himself mightly to earn his hat.



Pick 176. Sutton Smith:


Paas rushers usually get their sacks by a product of three different paradigms;


1.) Leverage, power and technique.


2.) First step, speed and explosiveness.


3.) Both



Sutton Smith here is sadly not going to be three because he does not have the second. However, so long as a pass rusher is really good at one, it will not make too much of a difference. Thankfully, Sutton Smith has one in near spades. Yes, the power is not all the way there for him but his leverage and technique are. Add his ability to bend the edge and you have a techincan of a pass rusher. That all being said he needs some serious work in the weight room. Being 235 as a pass rusher is not going to cut it.


All that said, his floor is development who might be on the final 53. His ceiling is he supercedes Keion Adams as the other situational pass rusher. He would have to work just about non stop to get there though.





Pick 194. Isaiah Buggs:


A Defensive End who will transition into a Defensive Tackle, Isaiah might not have done well at the combine but he sure does have some upside. Nine sacks in one season is a considerable amount given whom the Steelers drafted last year in Joshua Frazier. That said, unlike Frazier, Buggs does not have good length. Like Frazier, Buggs still needs some coaching up as Raekwon Davis and Quinenn Williams mainly did the heavy lifting.



Overall, I see his floor as a developmental Defensive End who will likely end up on the Practice Squad. His ceiling is making the final 53 as depth.




Pick 209. Ulysees Gilbert III:



Adding more speed to the defense, Uylsees Gilbert III is more than just an athletic speedster of a linebacker. He has been very productive over his four years at Akron. That, coupled with his athleticism and age (only 21), Gilbert III has a higher ceiling than others are willing to admit. Among the Sixth Round Players who could have the bigger impact, Gilbert III is on the fast track; amplified by the release of Jon Bostic. Only Tyler Matakevich remains. Given that Tyler does yield special teams value, it will be interesting to see if Gilbert III can do well on Special Teams.



His floor?! Given the fact that Bostic is not on the Steelers anymore, his track to the 53 became a lot easier. That being said, depth for the Inside Linebackers but mainly a Special Teams player. For his ceiling, he could be the primary backup for Bush Jr./Barron assuming he tears up both Training Camp and the Preseason.




Pick 221. Darwin Gary:



The final pick of the draft, Darwin is in a peculiar situation. On one hand, he does have some tools to work with should he transition to a Guard. 34.5 inch arms for a guard is nothing to scoff at. His limitations in space can be removed as he slides inside the same as he is capable of going up against both speed and power rushers. That being said though, on the other hand, like Isaiah Buggs, he needs some serious coaching. That all said, there is very good chance he gets stashed onto the Practice Squad.



In short?! His floor his the Practice Squad where he learns the basics and gets better. The ceiling is still the Practice Squad but being among the first to be called up should anything happen to the Offensive Lineman.





Now that we have examined and analyzed all the picks, it is time for some final notes.



Final Notes:



To me, this felt like a "Steelers Draft". In some ways, these players emphasize what it means to be a Steeler. In other ways, these players will also be important going forward. Sure, some of these players not make the 53 and contribute?! Absolutely. Will they still have been worth their selection?! Most definitely. To that end, I give this draft, on paper, an "A-". The Zach Gentry pick is going to be intriguing going forward. Should he exceed the expectations, then this grade gets raised. Otherwise it stays the same.



Closing Statements:


The 2019 NFL Draft is now in the books! Hopefully all the Steelers selections can contribute or even make the 53 in some form or fashion. Granted, not all of them will. However, those that do will be counted upon.



To that end, that will do it for my 2019 Steelers Draft Review! Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed! Now, we as fans await Training Camp which will not happen for some time yet. Until then, let us all wish for the best for the 2019 Class as a whole as they embark on their NFL Journey. To write their story. To showcase why they are here!



Once again, thank you reading! Until next time everyone, take care! I will see you again soon!



Go Steelers!

 

Didn't Johnson have a fairly high drop ratio in college? Also, was Brown ever know for having trouble with press coverage because he isn't strong enough? That is one of the knocks on Johnson.

 

Going from Logan Woodside to another Freshman is not as simple as it seems. That being said, his drops were more so a component of the new Quarterback more so than him. 2017 attests to this. In addition, as I said, Jon'Vea Johnson was in the lineup. He was lost for the season the year earlier.


In comparison, Antonio Brown had Dan LeFevour; the then record holder for most passing touchdowns in NCAA History. Case Keenum would break that soon thereafter. Antonio had a more consistent Quarterback. Dionate did not.



Moreover to the point, I doubt his issues in press will be an issue once he gets acclimated. He is a route running techincan with electrifying playmaking abilities. Once he has fine tuned some of his current issues, he will be a more consistent player.



Best of all?! He will be playing alongside a Hall of Fame Quarterback.

 

AQL, you don't anticipate Bush getting any sacks in your rookie stat predictions?

 

Good writeup AQL as always. Wish our team would incorporate a 3 headed monster RB attack.

Conner= Great runner and catcher
Samuels = better catcher than runner
Snell = better runner than catcher

the perfect balance lol

use conner/samuels then snell to close the game out as a bruiser body. I'm dreaming though

 

Dionate Johnson

 

I actually have my stat predictions for him; the other two top rookies as well! I have been doing these for three years now. They are under my sig.

 

very optimistic numbers there lol

I like it

 

Just musing today I was wondering what production we would need from the players to 'make up' AB's 15 TD. I thought Johnson could get 5 to 7 (2 of those from returns). I think the match ups and talent actually would create a higher TD count, though from a more ball controlled O. JMHO

 

I don't like the comparisons to AB. 1) It's a 6th rounder vs. 2nd rounder. 2nd rounder is expected to produce especially with the Steelers history at the position. 2) Say what you want about AB but the only reason he was able to make that jump from MAC to best in the game was his work ethic. Does D Johnson have the same work ethic? AB is probably running routes right now. Another thing, his 3 cone speed/agility is worrisome. Everybody got on Metcalf but D Johnson ran it .11 faster than Tom Brady.

Questions for you AQL...

1) Did we not have a similar WR that showed promise in the preseason and waive him in Damoun Patterson? What because they didn't use a 2nd round pick on him he's not worth giving a chance/developing? They did the same thing with Matthew Thomas. I don't get it.

2) Do you see Washington ever becoming a deep threat or would his skill set be better in a Juju role?

3) Do you see Moncrief working as the deep threat? Personally, I don't think he gets enough separation to Bens liking/comfortable to throw him the ball.

 

Yeah, I know. I have seen them for 3 years. I see you have edited you sig and added sacks.

 

Are those career stats for bush?

 

Rookie stat predictions! They are only qualifying for their Rookie seasons. They will be updated accordingly.

 

I hope Steelers can utilize talent better in the future. As I watched Game of Thrones last night, I couldn't help but think what a waste of talent it was sending the Dothroki horde to attack the dead army head on. I'm no military mind but I would have sent Dothroki on an extreme left or right flank and have them attack the dead from behind, at the moment the dead attacked the Unsullied on the front line. Tyrion, Danyreus and Snow wasted talent like Tomlin and Colbert.

 

My answers for each. All are listed below!


1.) To start, I do believe we did start a thread a season ago regarding why both Damoun Patterson and Matthew Thomas not panning out. Actually, at the conclusion of the 2018 season, Thomas stated that the Steelers did give him every chance. The issue was the playbook. He could not pick it up fast enough.


Patterson was more simplistic to answer; too crowded a receiving room at the time. A.B., JuJu, James Washington, Ryan Switzer, Darius Heyward Bey and Justin Hunter were all too difficult to resind.



2.) James Washington was drafted to be the Martavis Bryant replacement. I believe that he can be. Keep in mind his career college average is 19.8 YAC. That is not an easy accomplishment, Big XII or otherwise. Another aspect about his speed shown here:




Like JuJu, James had his issues getting onto the field. Keep in mind though that he was injured for some of Training Camp last season. That definitely stymied some of his development. Plays like what we saw against New England should be the new normal in year two.


3.) Donte Moncrief will be more than a deep threat for the team. Donte has also operated in the slot; James Washington being the other. That being said, he is more than just a deep threat. He is a veteran presence in the locker room; showing the younger players what it means to be a professional. This will definitely aide both Washington and, most importantly, Diontae Johnson.


As for your second question, very difficult to tell. Training Camp has yet to start; nevermind OTA's. Ben is willing to work with him though after calling Donte shortly after Donte was signed by the Steelers. We will have to wait and see!




Overall, while I do believe James Washington needs to have a "Sophomore Explosion", I do believe he is doing everything he can to ensure so. Keep in mind of Washington's upbringing. Being a farmer is not easy. My unlce was a farmer since six years of age and has molded him into a blue collar, humble, dedicated, no nonsense man today with somen serious resolve and whom will always persevere; when all else fails no less. I believe Washington possess those same traits.



I hope this answers all your questions! If you have anymore, please let me know! Same goes for anyone else!

 

Green font AQL. Well sorta. A very light green.

I just watched the replay of the Michigan vs Wisconsin game. A game he should have racked up big numbers in knowing Wisconsin is a run first team, but I saw the same thing as always, by the time he gets through the clutter, then he uses the speed to be the second or third guy on the tackle. I don't see it changing much in the pros.

 

I am a bigger believer in what Devin Bush Jr. can do than others. Keep in mind, he has a good friend in Ray Lewis, a godfather in Derrick Brooks and a father who played in the league. That is some SERIOUS levels of past knowledge to call upon.



If both T.J. Watt and Terrell Edmunds are any indication, Devin Bush Jr. will have a more simplistic time adjusting to the league tham his other contemporaries. Now, I doubt that Ray, Derrick and his father would just willingly give their best kept secrets to Bush Jr. as I am certain they will want him to figure that out for himself. I will say though that all of them can give him the principles, basics and fundementals on what it means to be a professional; both on and off the field.

 

Nope! I do believe Devin Bush Jr. can have that level of impact. Keep in mind who he has as support systems. Ray Lewis, Derrick Brooks and his father; two Hall of Famers and all Super Bowl Champions.


I am certain that the basics, principles and fundamentals will not be an issue for Bush Jr.

 

Also seems to be a brute and plodder type back. It's been awhile since we have had a Betis like back.Now I am not saying he will be Betis but he moves forward and hits the hole hard and can push the pile. Great short yardage back .

 

True. Suffice it to say though, Shazier never completed a full 16 game season. It is still unknown, even now if Bush Jr. can do the same as it stands.


If he can though, I believe he can hit those numbers.


Keep in mind this is Pre Training Camp. All figures are subject to change.

 

How do you know the drops weren't his fault? Did you go through the film and look at them all, or is that a guess based on who was throwing the ball?

Brown is very strong for a guy his size. It's one of the many reasons he doesn't have an issue beating press coverage. Johnson, by all accounts, is not strong at all.

I would love it if he became something even a quality starter, but the comparisons to Brown are as silly as the arguments that it's fine to try to find a future starting quarterback in the sixth round rather than ever taking one higher because that's when Tom Brady was drafted.

 

Alright my man. Not doing this. Believe you want.

 

Bettis wasn't really a plodder, though he could certainly run with power. He was extremely nimble for a big back. Snell doesn't seem to have that.

 

So you are just guessing about Johnson's drops. You can't back up your point, so you avoid the question. Thank you for proving mine.