PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Former Steelers corner and current NFL analyst Bryant McFadden said the Steelers had such a perfect draft, they must have had and used a rabbit’s foot.
“I liked everything about the Draft from top to bottom, getting big-time needs answered and adding talent is a big plus,” McFadden said on the Cook and Joe Show on 93.7 The Fan. “You don’t normally see that throughout the entire Draft. All seven guys have a chance to make the team and contribute. I love everything about it and gave it an A+.”
McFadden said he thinks left tackle Broderick Jones’ best days are ahead of him and it’s such a smart move to get a young quarterback protection on his blind side. He praised getting tight end Darnell Washington in the third round after he had been mocked by some in the first, but fell due to injury concerns. McFadden believes they will be a force lining up next to Jones on the left side, which they did to great success in college.
Having played his position, McFadden said there are things Joey Porter, Junior needs to understand about the NFL game. However, he believes he has a strong advantage having his father as a resource. Saying they are different people, but Porter, Junior would be right to follow his father’s example. McFadden said Porter, Senior was a leader both with words and action.
“The ultimate teammate-if you had an issue, you needed someone to talk to, he was always available,” McFadden told Ron Cook and Joe Starkey on 93.7 The Fan. “That’s why we were so good and together were people like Joey Porter, Senior. He made sure everyone who came into the locker room finished the same footprints.”
“If you didn’t know Joey personally, on and off the field, one of the more genuine guys you would meet. A fiery guy, a guy you want to go to battle with. A guy you want to make sure he knew you were going to do what you were supposed to do.”
McFadden believes Porter, Senior will allow his son to play. The fact Mike Tomlin knows him will only help Junior and he’s glad there is no bad blood after Joey Porter, Senior was fired as a Steelers linebacker coach.
Pickett charge
He wanted him to be the starter from Opening Day last year, McFadden remains bullish on second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett. Pickett will take a big step forward in his eyes and will overcome the sophomore growing pains that surface for most NFL quarterbacks. Here’s why McFadden likes the Steelers QB.
· Year two you are more experienced
· Year two in the same system, even though a lot of people were calling for Steelers Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada’s job, he is back. So, there should be a familiarity when it comes to Kenny Pickett and what he likes to call.
· They have improved the talent around the young quarterback. Improved the offensive line, brought in another experienced wide receiver in Allen Robinson. Another year with George Pickens and they added TE Washington.
“A big step forward is what I expect from Kenny Pickett.”