The Pittsburgh Steelers had to play without quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for the vast majority of the 2019 season — and without backup Mason Rudolph for a great deal of it, thanks to a concussion that he suffered. That left Devlin “Duck” Hodges running the Pittsburgh offense. However, despite an 0-3 start, the Steelers made a run that nearly got them into the postseason, at one point winning seven of eight before dropping their last three to finish 8-8. The Steelers’ defense stood tall, as the team did not give up more than 17 points between November 14 and December 29, but other teams figured out the Steelers’ offense. Did Pittsburgh solve their problems in the draft? Not yet — their NFL betting odds to win Super Bowl LV sit at 28/1. Even so, let’s take a look at the Steelers’ 2020 draft choices.
NFL News: Pittsburgh Steelers 2020 Super Bowl Odds/Analysis After the Draft
Chase Claypool can play wide receiver or tight end
Now Ben Roethlisberger has three targets who are at least 6’4”, along with tight ends Eric Ebron and Vance McDonald. Claypool’s size (238 pounds) means he can play at wideout or tight end. He has speed for his size, posting a 40 in less than 4.45 seconds at the NFL combine. This pick seemed to show that Pittsburgh believes in tailback James Conner, who has returned from a raft of difficult injuries.
Alex Highsmith adds depth on the D-line
Highsmith is a defensive end who can contribute on special teams while growing as a player behind Bud Dupree and T.J. Watt. On film, this Charlotte product impressed both coach Mike Tomlin and GM Kevin Colbert with his competitive spirit and his physical play. He will get reps in 2020, but he will also be protected as he develops his skills to be a starter down the road.
Anthony McFarland Jr gives James Conner some depth
Conner is the established starter, but he has missed time with injury, and the Steelers needed insurance. McFarland played at Maryland with Dino Tomlin, the son of Pittsburgh’s head coach. McFarland will join Benny Snell and Jaylen Samuels in the scrum at tailback. He only ran for 614 yards in his sophomore season, though, so the Steelers may have picked him before they needed to; given his small size (5’9” 198 pounds) he might have been available as an undrafted free agent.
Guard Kevin Dotson did not miss a game in four seasons of college ball
Dotson adds competition for Stefen Wisniewski and, assuming Wisniewski takes the spot, also adds depth. Dotson played tackle and guard, but guard has been in his primary position, and his agility and power make him an interior line player. According to offensive line coach Shaun Sarrett, Dotson is a “people mover,” and if he keeps that up, he will be in the mix for a starting job at some point this season.
Antoine Brooks Jr is a safety that can play in the box or as a nickel back
Brooks brings physicality and has enough size (5’11” 213 pounds) to deliver big hits in the box. He spent most of his career in the box at Maryland, and he could also slide down to play inside linebacker — as well as contribute on special teams. The Steelers had needs at both safety and inside linebacker, so Brooks is a natural choice.
Carlos Davis could fill the hole that Javon Hargrave left
Hargrave left via free agency, which meant that the Steelers needed someone to take that spot on the defensive line. Davis played as a graduate player in 2019, and he and his twin brother both were on the draft board — but Carlos was the one who was left by Pittsburgh’s seventh-round selection. David played nose tackle for the Cornhuskers and has some speed with a 4.79 40. He could rush the passer and also serve as the nose tackle when the team goes to base defense.
