The Steelers added a wide receiver, as expected, in the second round of the NFL Draft on Friday, then went for an outside linebacker with their third-round pick, finishing off Day 2 of the draft.
In Notre Dame wide receiver Chase Claypool, the team got a big-bodied, speedy receiver who can create mismatches. In third-round pick, Alex Highsmith of Charlotte, the team filled its need for a developmental edge rusher who can serve as a backup this year and potentially replace Bud Dupree down the road if the Steelers are unable to sign him past the 2020 season.
Now what?
Well, needs still exist for depth at nose tackle, on the offensive line, at safety and inside linebacker. It appears running back, a need with oft-injured James Conner heading his final season under contract might have to wait until later, with perhaps the team dipping into the veteran free agent pool for competition there.
The Steelers have four picks remaining in the final four rounds of the draft, which will wrap up starting at noon today, owning picks 124 and 135 in the fourth round and then one selection each in the sixth and seven rounds.
Where might they go with those selections?
Here's a look at the best remaining players that fit the Steelers:
1. Troy Dye, LB, Oregon -- Dye would slide inside in the Steelers' defense, but he's rangy with good coverage ability. He'd be a nice fit as a potential starter down the road next to Devin Bush.
2. John Simpson, G, Clemson -- A true guard, Simpson is athletic but a little soft around the middle. But he's a strong player.
3. Akeem Davis-Gaither, LB, Appalachian State -- Davis-Gaither is a little smaller than Dye, but he brings the wood, arriving to take down ballcarriers with bad intentions. He's very quick.
4. Tyler Biadasz, C, Wisconsin -- The Steelers have some ties to the Wisconsin coaching staff. That could be helpful as some people feel Biadasz played through an injury last season and didn't put his best tape out there. He was considered a top prospect before that.
5. Amik Robertson, CB, Louisana Tech -- Slot corner isn't an immediate need, but Robertson is the best slot in this draft. He was highly productive and might be too good to pass up.
6. Keith Ismael, C, San Diego State -- Ismael is an athletic center who also played some guard in college. He and Biadasz are the two top center prospects still available and the Steelers would like to add a true backup center.
7. Leki Fotu, NT, Utah -- The best pure nose tackle in the draft, he's a pocket pusher, not a pass rusher. But he's a mammoth human being in the middle who moves well.
8. Prince Tego Wanogho, OT, Auburn -- Wanogho is a big, talented tackle, who had he come out in another draft, easily gets picked on Day 2. In this deep OT class, he slips to the fourth round.
9. Ben Bartch, OT, St. John's Minnesota -- A Division III prospect, Bartch has the size and athleticism to compete in the NFL. But he doesn't have the experience. He was a tight end his first two years in college, bulking up to play tackle.
10. Netane Muti, G, Fresno State -- A big, powerful masher at guard who battled through some injury issues. But the talent is there.
11. Joshua Kelley, RB, UCLA -- The backs went early and often on Day 2, leaving Kelley really as the last of the players with at least the potential to be an every down back. But he's obviously more of a long shot to hit.
12. Logan Stenberg, G, Kentucky -- A good guard with a true nasty streak. Stenberg isn't quite as athletic as you'd like, but he'll win in the phone booth.
13. Jack Driscoll, OT, Auburn -- Played right tackle at Auburn opposite Wanogho, who was on the left side. Some feel he might be better at guard, but he has the ability to play inside or at RT in the NFL.
14. Shane Lemieux, G, Oregon -- Another guard -- this is the area to take them -- Lemieux is a powerful run blocker, who won't give an inch. Another masher.
15. Ben Bredeson, G, Michigan -- A two-time team captain at Michigan, where he shared those duties in 2018 with Devin Bush. Bredeson is better run blocking than in pass pro.
16. Kenny Robinson, S, West Virginia/XFL -- A true free safety, Robinson is a ballhawk. He had some issues at West Virginia that forced him to go play in the XFL this season, but the Wilkinsburg native can play.
17. K'Von Wallace, S, Clemson -- Wallace is all over the place depending on whose board you look at. But he slots in here on mine. He's a good football player who can play strong or free.
18. Nick Harris, C, Washington -- Athletic but a little on the small side at 6-1, 302. He can get to the second level but struggles with big defensive tackles.
19. Benito Jones, NT, Ole Miss -- At 6-1, 316 pounds, Jones has the classic bowling ball look of a nose tackle. But he has some pass rushing juice.
20. Justin Strnad, LB, Vanderbilt -- Another rangy inside linebacker with decent size but good speed. Can cover pretty well.
21. Antoine Brooks, S, Maryland -- A good-sized run-and-hit safety who at 5-11, 220 pounds, could move to inside linebacker. Remember, Mike Tomlin's son plays at Maryland.
22. L'Jarius Sneed, DB, Louisana Tech -- The other good player in the La. Tech secondary, Sneed moved from corner to safety. He's super fast and can play centerfield. Had three interception returns for touchdowns.
24. Josh Metellus, S, Michigan -- A teammate of Devin Bush in both high school and college, the Steelers should know all about this rangy safety.
25. Evan Weaver, ILB, California -- A tackling machine, Weaver isn't much to look at or the best athlete. All he does is make plays.
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