The Steelers may not have had the most prolific 2020 NFL Draft with only six players taken, but they were still able to address a few key areas.
First, they took a big, physical wide receiver in Chase Claypool out of Notre Dame. While it might have made more sense to go for a running back, Claypool does address the size concerns behind JuJu Smith-Schuster. In the third round, Pittsburgh selected UNC Charlotte linebacker Alex Highsmith, who provides some solid depth behind T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree on the edge.
The Steelers waited until day three to pick up a running back, taking Maryland's Anthony McFarland in the fourth round. They then used their last three picks to add some depth on the offensive line, defensive line and secondary.
Here's a look at where the Steelers' 2020 NFL Draft:
MORE 2020 NFL DRAFT:
Full results | Team-by-team grades | Winners & losers
Steelers draft picks 2020: Who did Pittsburgh pick?
- Round 2, Pick No. 49: Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame
- Round 3, Pick No. 102: Alex Highsmith, LB, Charlotte
- Round 4, Pick No. 124: Anthony McFarland Jr., RB, Maryland
- Round 4, Pick No. 135: Kevin Dotson, G, Louisiana
- Round 6, Pick No. 198: Antoine Brooks Jr., S, Maryland
- Round 7, Pick No. 232: Carlos Davis, DT, Nebraska
Steelers 2020 NFL Draft order
| Round | Pick No. |
|---|---|
| 2 | 49 |
| 3 | 102 (compensatory) |
| 4 | 124 |
| 4 | 135 (from Titans through Dolphins) |
| 6 | 198 |
| 7 | 232 |
MORE: Read the latest NFL Draft news at SN's draft HQ
Steelers NFL Draft needs
- Defensive line: Pittsburgh needs to address its 3-4 front after losing defensive tackle Javon Hargrave in free agency. The Steelers could also stand to improve their depth on the edge to help Bud Dupree and T.J. Watt.
- Running back: The Steelers aren't lacking for depth with James Conner, Benny Snell Jr., Jaylen Samuels and Kerrith Whyte, but if they can get a top-end running back early, then they should do it. They're in win-now mode with Ben Roethlisberger in the twilight of his career, and he'll need all the help he can get. Plus, Conner has struggled to stay healthy and will be an unrestricted free agent after the 2020 season, so a new RB1 could serve them well in the long term.
- Offensive line: Pittsburgh isn't necessarily looking to add a starter to the unit; it just needs to add quality depth. This year's class is deep at tackle, so don't be surprised if the team targets that area in the middle rounds.
- Linebacker: The Steelers only have four players to cover two inside linebacker spots. That's not enough depth, so it's likely they'll look to add someone. A hybrid linebacker might be ideal if they can find someone in the later rounds.
- Wide receiver: Their receiving corps isn't bad, but because the Steelers are a win-now team, it wouldn't hurt to add competition at the position. A big-bodied, dynamic wideout might help JuJu Smith-Schuster and Diontae Johnson find extra room to operate. This year's class is full of receivers.
Steelers mock draft 2020
Here are the latest 2020 NFL Draft projections for the Steelers, according to Vinnie Iyer's seven-round mock draft :
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 49 | Jonathan Taylor | RB | Wisconsin |
| 3 | 102 (compensatory) | Davon Hamilton | DT | Ohio State |
| 4 | 124 | Josh Uche | EDGE | Michigan |
| 4 | 135 (from Titans through Dolphins) | Hakeem Adeniji | OT | Kansas |
| 6 | 198 | Cheyenne O'Grady | TE | Arkansas |
| 7 | 232 | Jordan Mack | LB | Virginia |