By Adam McCoy
SteelerNation.com
Wow. Just wow. The rumors were floating around that the Pittsburgh Steelers would trade up, but did any of us really believe it would happen? With a busy round one in the books, let's take a look at the picks from our divisional opponents. The grades distributed will be based on quality of the pick, needs filled, and potential year one impact (since most day one picks should be starters year one). Lets get into it.
Pick 10: Pittsburgh Steelers - (ILB -Devin Bush: Michigan)
Needs: WR, LB, CB, EDGE
They did it. The Steelers knew who their man was early on in the draft process, and this time they refused to let the Cincinnati Bengals spoil their pick like they did with William Jackson just a few years ago. The Steelers ended up trading picks 20, 52, and a 2020 3rd for the 10th overall pick to select their man Devin Bush. The heir apparent to Ryan Shazier, the Steelers have the 3-down middle linebacker they have been looking for. The last defender the Steelers traded up for was Troy Polamalu. If Bush can come close to replicating his success, this pick will turn out to be an amazing pick looking back. Look to see Bush starting week one against the New England Patriots.
Grade: A
Pick 11: Cincinnati Bengals - (OT - Jonah Williams: Alabama)
Needs: LB, OT, TE, QB
Interesting pick here for the Bengals. With Dwayne Haskins still on the board, instead of going after an heir apparent for Andy Dalton, they went out and got more protection for Andy Dalton. New head coach Zac Taylor wants to see what Dalton can do for him, and now he's got a big protection piece. Williams should slide into that RT spot opposite of Cordy Glenn and make an immediate impact day one. Also on the board was weapon Noah Fant from Iowa. Though it isn't a bad pick, it may not be the best pick.
Grade: A-
Pick 25: Baltimore Ravens - (WR Marquise "Hollywood" Brown: Oklahoma )
Needs: WR, LB, IOL, EDGE
As one team in the AFC North traded up, another team traded down, acquiring the 25th, 127th, and 197th picks from the Philadelphia Eagles so they could move up to the 22nd pick. Not a bad trade to move back 3 spots and pick up arguably one of the best receivers in this very stacked draft class. Cousin of Antonio Brown, Hollywood brings a lot of speed to the field, something we have noticed a trend with the Baltimore Ravens and their love for speedy receivers. Brown does struggle with contested catches, and could afford to put on some size if he doesn't sacrifice his speed, but overall, the Ravens get a nice new weapon for 2nd year quarterback, Lamar Jackson.
Grade: B+
Consensus:
Excluding the Cleveland Browns who didn't have a first round pick due to the OBJ trade, the AFC North honestly killed it on day one. In terms of impact year one, I have to give the edge to the Steelers as they have finally found the centerpiece to their defense that they have been so lacking. Day two should prove to be just as interesting as now the Steelers will not have a selection, unless they chose to pull the trigger on another trade. All we can do is wait and see.
Let us know your thoughts of day one of the 2019 NFL Draft in the comment section below!
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