Steelers Draft Gets Mixed Reviews

PITTSBURGH, PA - The 2020 NFL draft is now history, and football writers across the country are weighing in on the talent the Steelers just added to the team. Opinion is divided on how well the team drafted this year.

The Steelers drafted Notre Dame wide receiver Chase Claypool with their first selection in the second round, Charlotte linebacker Alex Highsmith in the third round, Maryland running back Anthony McFarland Jr. in the fourth round, Louisiana offensive guard Kevin Dotson in the fifth round, Maryland safety Antoine Brooks Jr. in the sixth round and Nebraska defensive tackle Carlos Davis in the sevent round.

Here are reviews of those selections:

• Chad Reuter, NFL.com: A-minus

"Last year's trade with Miami for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick was worth the first-round pick it cost. And I liked the decisions to add Chase Claypool at receiver and Alex Highsmith as depth at edge rusher with their second- and third-round picks, respectively. That's a solid couple of days for GM Kevin Colbert."

• Andy Benoit, Sports Illustrated: C

"Pittsburgh’s first-round pick is already a success considering it was dealt last year for Pro Bowl free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. That takes abit of the sting out of the possibility that no one from this draft class will make major contributions in 2020."

• Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: B

"Kevin Colbert had an interesting draft as the team didn’t really prioritize key needs at defensive tackle and running back. Claypool is an intriguing hybrid, but was more of a luxury pick given they have JuJu Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson and James Washington."

• Nate Davis, USA Today: A-minus

"Uber-sized WR Chase Claypool, uber-productive OLB Alex Highsmith and uber-swift RB Anthony McFarland all seem well-positioned to battle for jobs currently manned by veterans potentially on shaky ground."

• Josh Edwards, CBS Sports: Loser draft

"Day two was early for wide receiver Chase Claypool and edge rusher Alex Highsmith. Running back Anthony McFarland Jr. is not a well-rounded back, and there were better options at the time of his selection. The pick of offensive guard Kevin Dotson was fantastic."