NFL Draft 2020: Best pick made by each AFC North team

Pittsburgh Steelers: Alex Highsmith, Edge, Charlotte

Round 3, 102nd Overall

The Pittsburgh Steelers had an interesting 2020 NFL Draft, especially because early in the 2019 season, they shipped their first-round pick off to Miami for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. That’s worked out so far, as Fitzpatrick looked like one of the best defensive backs in the league last season at just 23 years of age.

Pittsburgh had limited resources in the NFL Draft and tried to make the most of it. They went wide receiver in the second round, selecting Notre Dame combine standout Chase Claypool. His size and speed will bring a new dynamic. But, the best pick for the Steelers came at the end of day two.

With the 102nd pick, a compensatory selection in round three, Pittsburgh selected Charlotte edge rusher, Alex Highsmith. Highsmith showed some flashes as a junior, where he recorded 18.5 tackles for loss, but didn’t fill up the sheet in terms of getting home as a pass rusher.

As a senior, it all changed. Highsmith put together a phenomenal year, posting 15 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss. He showed a great first step, strong hands, and an ability to threaten the outside track. He may not get a ton of snaps in 2020, but he should be able to affect the quarterback in those before potentially taking over in 2021 as a starter on the edge.