Hypothetically speaking, The Pittsburgh Steelers are now on the clock with the 25th pick of the 2016 NFL Draft. You are the Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert and you are trying to persuade the organization to draft either a defensive lineman or a cornerback. Who do you take and why?
Several teams have already selected prospects and you have to decide who you would select from the list below.
Cornerbacks:
William Jackson III (University of Houston)
Artie Burns (University of Miami)
Mackensie Alexander (Clemson)
Defensive Linemen:
Defensive Tackle: Andrew Billings (Baylor)
Defensive Tackle: A’Shawn Robinson (Louisiana Tech)
Defensive End: Kevin Dodd (Clemson)
If I was the general manager and had to make the decision on who to select it would be between William Jackson III and Andrew Billings. I would have to go with my gut feeling and choose Billings who will provide solid defensive play in 2016 and throughout his career.
Let it be known that the Steelers haven’t selected a cornerback in the first-round since 1997 and I don’t see them doing it this year. It has always been the best player available and what better player than Baylor’s Andrew Billings. If you want the secondary to become better year in and year out than provide more pressure so the quarterbacks are under duress.
Pittsburgh resigned William Gay to a contract this offseason, the team will be getting a healthy Doran Grant and Senquez Golson, and don’t forget the impressive cornerback Ross Cockrell, who played quite excellent in 2015. The team can get a defensive back player in the second and third rounds. The loss of DT Steve McLendon needs filled and Dan McCullers is not cutting it.
* With the 25th pick in the 2016 NFL Draft … The Pittsburgh Steelers select _____________.
6 Comments
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DaveB.
April 22, 2016 at 6:27 pm
The choice is clear . Unless Billings has the ability to drop back in pass coverage and cover receivers coming over the middle , then the decision has already been made . You have to go cornerback because thats your liability and every offensive coordinator in the league knows the Steelers cant cover . If Jackson is available or another top rated corner falls to them , you take him .
kjdriedger
April 22, 2016 at 8:34 pm
Billings. Best player and brightest future. I also think greatest impact.
Donald Tillman
April 23, 2016 at 4:43 am
Dodd, Jackson, Billings, or trade down.
Donald Tillman
April 23, 2016 at 4:45 am
I think like this if we miss Dodd there is a major drop off. If we miss Billings or Jackson not as much, so pick Dodd.
DrGeorge
April 26, 2016 at 5:52 pm
The Steelers can’t go wrong by picking the best defensive player available; we need help everywhere on D. But my guess is they will go NG (Billings or someone else) to replace Stephenson; an improved D-line would make our secondary look a whole lot better. The coaches may figure in Golson and Grant they already have the secondary talent they need. A rookie CB wouldn’t be likely to get much playing time in 2016 anyway, whereas a good NG can make an immediate impact.
Nathaniel Bodnar
April 27, 2016 at 7:14 am
Stephenson? You mean Steve McLendon who left for the Jets. Either way I agree with you. The organization can’t go wrong with picking the best defensive player available. I wouldn’t be surprised if Billings goes to Pittsburgh. We will just have to see tomorrow night. Thanks DrGeorge.