Third Round Draft Grade for Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Javon Hargrave South Carolina

The Pittsburgh Steelers made their third round selection defensive tackle Javon Hargrave from South Carolina State after selecting cornerback Artie Burns from Miami in the first round and safety Sean Davis from Maryland in the second round.

This article provides an initial grade on that pick, much like we did last night for Burns. We will use the same metrics as before. Keep in mind that honest grades at this point cannot be accurate for the long term, based on the fact of not being able to foretell how a player will pan out, but can measure a few key attributes:

Best Player Available: meaning that according to our official BTSC big board, constructed by our own Scott Pavelle, this player was ranked either at the top or close to the top of the remaining candidates. The closer to the top the higher the grade.

Positional Need: meaning that Pittsburgh addressed a key position needed for their depth chart. The bigger the need, the higher the grade.

NCAA Performance: this metric grades the players' reputation based on their performance in NCAA.

Combine Statistics: based on the numbers posted at this year's scouting combine.

Each metric will be measured on a 1-10 scale, ten being the highest and one being the lowest. The total of the scores will average out to a grade that allows for a normal range:

A: 9-10

B: 8

C: 7

D: 6

E: 5 or below.

Best Player Available: 10. Hargrave was graded as a late first round pick on our big board. In his final year at South Carolina State he recorded 13.5 sacks. Andrew Billings was still on the board because of possible problems with his knee. His draft stock is continuing to drop but the Steelers received a true athletic defensive tackle with their 89th pick.

Positional Need: 9.5. Defensive tackle could have been a concern for the Pittsburgh Steelers if they hadn't selected Hargraves. Daniel McCullers, a former sixth-round draft pick, is NOT the future of the organization. The loss of Steve McLendon needed to be addressed in some way and this pick certainly does that.

NCAA Performance: 10 This 300 pound defensive tackle was the leader in sacks in 2015. He registered 13.5 sacks last season and has athleticism all over. He wins in multiple ways as a pass rusher. He uses his first step and has true flexibility.

Combine Statistics: 8.5. 4.93 40 yard dash time for a 300 pound defensive athlete is quite impressive. He has a 34.5 inch vertical and completed 29 reps at the NFL Combine. The Steelers met with Hargrave at his Pro Day and in Pittsburgh.

Overall Grade: A-

Overall, Hargrave is a physical athlete that has proven he can get to the quarterback. Leading the nation in sacks as a 300 pound defensive tackle is quite impressive. His incredible size and strength makes him a true starting defensive tackle in the National Football League. This pick was excellent by Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin. He has a quick burst up field and into blockers that will just make you enjoy what he has to offer on defense. The loss of McLendon has been filled with an excellent, but truly raw defensive athlete ready to showcase his unique skills.