The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2018 draft class has been a critical component in current seasons. However, like everything in the NFL, players are consistently forced to prove themselves every season. With that being said, it is ironic that the majority of the 2018 draft class is on the hot seat heading into the 2021 season. Let’s take a look at who needs to “prove it” most this season to land a contract extension.
Terrell Edmunds, Safety
Edmunds was the Steelers’ first pick in 2018. Since then, he’s made an impact as a part of the defense. However, it has come with some periods of poor play. Looking at the 2020 season, Edmunds played in 15 games. In those 15 games, he was on the field for 84% of snaps. Edmunds made 68 tackles, defended 15 passes, made 2 interceptions, and had a sack. Edmunds is incredibly effective in rush defense and has been great in playing inside the box. With a 9.2% missed tackle rate in 2020, its obvious this is his largest strength. On the flip side, Edmunds’ coverage skills are lacking, and this is what fans remember most.
In 2020, the Steelers experimented with a defensive package featuring a corner (mostly Cam Sutton) at the high safety position and left Edmunds on the sideline. With the addition of Tre Norwood in this year’s draft, Edmunds will need to show improved coverage abilities. I know this doesn’t need to be said, but 2021 is a big year for Edmunds’ career.
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James Washington, Wide Receiver
The addition of Chase Claypool in 2020 left Washington on the sideline for a majority of offensive snaps. This is not a reflection of Washington’s play, as Claypool is just an incredible specimen at wide receiver. However when he was on the field, Washington made big catches that fueled the Steelers’ victories in 2019 and 2020. Since the 2018 season, Washington has worked diligently in building his strength at his family’s farm, improving his speed, and perfecting his hand-work. In 2020 it looked like Washington was vastly under-utilized. Washington has been working on his versatility in playing both the slot and outside, and it will be up to offensive coordinator Matt Canada to determine Washington’s value as a consistent NFL receiver. Although the Steelers value depth at the receiver position, Washington will need to be considered a starter in order for him to return to Pittsburgh in 2022.
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Jaylen Samuels, Running Back
Since he was drafted, Samuels has had tough, consistent competition to win the starting running back role. He started his career as James Conner’s back-up, then watched the Steelers draft Benny Snell Jr. in 2019, Anthony McFarland Jr. in 2020, and most recently Najee Harris in 2021. Samuels was drafted as a Le'Veon Bell-like back, with the ability to run the ball, as well as line up as a receiver. However, we’ve only seen glimmers of this in the NFL. Samuels best moments came in the pivotal game against the New England Patriots in Week 15 of the 2018 season. He racked up a total of 172 yards and played a major role in securing the upset victory. Since then, Samuels has been seemingly non-existent. The Steelers committed themselves to Conner as a starter with Snell as the goal-line back. Samuels’ saving grace in 2021 is his reconnection with previous college coordinator in Canada, but he’ll still have a steep mountain to climb. Samuels is going to be interesting to watch in training camp in dictating his future in Pittsburgh.
Who else from 2018 do you think needs to prove it this season? Let us know in the comments below!
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