Steelers can't afford to address big need late in the NFL Draft
The Pittsburgh Steelers have other needs aside from safety, but finding a long-term starter to pair with Minkah Fitzpatrick would be welcomed. Recent signings Damontae Kazee and Keanu Neal are each under contract for two years. Neither are locked into a starting gig. This opens the door for the NFL Draft to provide an immediate […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers have other needs aside from safety, but finding a long-term starter to pair with Minkah Fitzpatrick would be welcomed.
Recent signings Damontae Kazee and Keanu Neal are each under contract for two years. Neither are locked into a starting gig.
This opens the door for the NFL Draft to provide an immediate starter at safety. There's just one issue: the door isn't open very wide.
According to NFL Media's Draft guru Daniel Jeremiah, this year's class of safeties is "Paper thin," implying that it would be wise for teams to take one earlier rather than later.
There's one safety ranked in the consensus top-30 players. Alabama's Brian Branch's expected draft position is right around 24th overall, right between Pittsburgh's first two picks (17th, 32nd). ESPN's Jordan Reid recently mocked Branch to Pittsburgh with their first second-round pick.
Branch also ranks 25th in A to Z Sports' top-300 big board. Jeremiah has Branch ranked 31st in his most recent top-50 board as the only safety on the list.
The former Crimson Tide standout would be a welcomed addition to the Steel Curtain, but if there's an offensive tackle or cornerback more worthy of either the 17th or 32nd pick, that's the route Pittsburgh should take.
While Jeremiah isn't too high on this year's crop of safeties, there are a few underrated players whose production and athleticism could make them steals later in the Draft.
Illinois' Sydney Brown, ranked in the third round according to the consensus, tested above the 90th percentile in explosion and speed relative to his size, and produced above the 70th percentile relative to his age and competition faced. JL Skinner was also incredibly productive at Boise State and is also projected to go off in the third round.
For the most part, Jeremiah is right. This safety class doesn't appear as deep as tight end and running back. Pittsburgh will have to plan accordingly if they wish to address the position.
