2017 NFL Draft: Grading the Pittsburgh Steelers class
The second round saw teams gobble up secondary talent and the remaining top tier inside linebackers. When the Steelers’ pick rolled around they had the option to reach or take the best player available. Juju Smith-Schuster had fallen right into Pittsburgh’s lap and as the best player available on its board, Smith-Schuster became the newest member of a loaded Steelers receiving corps.
Smith-Schuster wasn’t tied to the Steelers. In fact the only interaction the two sides had before the selection was a 15 minute interview at the combine. Despite that, Smith-Schuster could be the perfect final piece to round out the Steelers passing attack.
He is the youngest player in the draft at 20 years old. His powerful style has mostly been compared to Anquan Boldin. The Steelers have a myriad of fast vertical threats and possession receivers. What they were missing was a big-bodied red zone threat. Smith-Schuster is just that, He overwhelms cornerbacks with his physicality, excels at the catch point and doesn’t shy away from defenders when fighting for yards after the catch.
Although wide receiver wasn’t a pressing need after the announcement of Martavis Bryant’s reinstatement. The opportunity to add a playmaker with Smith-Schuster’s repertoire was too good to pass up. Don’t be surprised to see the rookie make some big plays in the Steelers offense this season and over the course of his career, if there is one thing Pittsburgh does well, it’s draft wide receivers.