PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – There could be other positions, but most mock drafts show the Steelers focusing on three positions-offensive tackle, wide receiver and cornerback. Judging by the last four drafts, a look at which position had the best success rate on the field.
We show every wide receiver, cornerback or offensive tackle picked from number 15 to number 25 from 2019-2022. Players that would be in play for the Steelers at pick 17 and what their current position ranking is by Pro Football Focus.
2022 First Round
16-WR Jahan Dotson-Washington-ranked 42nd
18-WR Treylon Burks-Tennessee-ranked 31st
19-OT Trevor Penning-NO-one start, not ranked
21-CB Trent McDuffie-KC-started 11 games, 7 PD, ranked 16th
23-CB Kaiir Elam-Buf-13g(6 starts), 4 PD, ranked 58th
24-OT Tyler Smith-Dal—ranked 25th
2021 First Round
17-OT Alex Leatherwood-LV-non-starter, not ranked
20-WR Kadarius Toney-Giants-traded to KC, not ranked
23-OT Christian Darrisaw-Minn-ranked 2nd
2020 First Round
15-WR Jerry Jeudy-Denver-ranked 21st
16-CB AJ Terrell-44 starts, 4 INT, 32 PD, 4 FF, ranked 61st
17-WR CeeDee Lamb-Dallas-ranked 8th
18-OT Austin Jackson-Miami-injured twice, not ranked
19-CB Damon Arnette-LV-13 games (7 starts), not in the NFL
21-WR Jalen Reagor-Philly-traded to Minnesota, not ranked
22-WR Justin Jefferson-Minnesota-ranked 3rd
25-WR-Brandon Aiyuk-SF-ranked 19th
2019 First Round
22-OT Andre Dillard-Eagles-non-starter, not ranked
23-OT Tytus Howard-Houston—ranked 42nd
25-WR Marquise Brown-Baltimore-ranked 51st
Conclusions
• 4 corners selected, one in the top 50% in the NFL
• 7 tackles selected, two in the top 50% in the NFL
• 9 wide receivers, seven in the top 50% in the NFL
These are judged off of PFF ratings. What it shows is if you are looking for the player who will make the biggest impact or improve that position, odds are better finding a wide receiver at 17 than offensive line or corner.
