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After Day 1 of the 2016 NFL Draft, fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers didn't know what to think. After the team selected Artie Burns with their top draft choice, one which no one saw coming, fans were hesitant about every selection the team made on Day 2.
Sticking with the game plan laid out on Day 1, the team attacked their highest positions of need, while taking the best player available at the same time. In the second round it was athletic and versatile Safety Sean Davis from the University of Maryland, and in the third round the little known Javon Hargrave from South Carolina State.
With names like Vonn Bell and Andrew Billings still on the draft board when the team selected in both rounds, at both positions, fans were again fuming. Some called the entire draft a bust, while others showed hesitant optimism about the team's selections thru two days.
Fans have their opinions, but what do those who claim they are "experts" in the field think of the Steelers overall draft class? We take a look at what people are saying. Some comment on the Steelers' draft class as a whole, while others focus solely on the Day 2 picks.
The Steelers got their cornerback in Artie Burns in the first round, and followed that up by taking Maryland safety Sean Davis in the second. Maybe now the team's secondary is fixed. Although I like Vonn Bell of Ohio State a lot more, Davis is a good coverage safety. He's a little stiff moving around in space, but he can man up a receiver and has upside.
Pittsburgh stayed on defense by taking defensive tackle Javon Hargrave at No. 89 overall. A squat nose tackle, he was practically built to be a Steeler. Hargrave made a name for himself in the offseason all-star circuit where he showed he can't be pushed while occupying blockers.
Overall grade: C+
27 (58). Pittsburgh Steelers: Sean Davis
And yet another size/speed pick, Davis has played both cornerback and safety for Maryland with mixed results. His -3.6 overall grade in 2015 ranked 96th among cornerbacks including a -6.7 coverage grade that ranked 112th. The Steelers may see if he can stick at cornerback, and while his movement skills stood out positively when we saw him at the Senior Bowl, the on-field production just hasn't been there to this point.
Grade: D
26 (89) Pittsburgh Steelers: Javon Hargrave
Adding a different style of defensive lineman up front, Hargrave brings an up-the-field presence that can pressure the quarterback. Despite playing at the FCS level, he played well every time he was on a bigger stage, including both the East-West Shrine Game and the Senior Bowl.
Grade: B+
27. Pittsburgh Steelers: CB Sean Davis
This pick was better than their first-round selection of Artie Burns. Davis is a hybrid player who was great at safety in 2014 and less so at corner last season. But he's big and athletic, and has plus hitting ability. He also could be a great special-teamer.
Grade: B
26. Pittsburgh Steelers: DT Javon Hargrave
With short arms and a 6-1 frame, where will he fit best in the Steelers' defense. Maybe as an end, but perhaps best as a stout, quick nose tackle. Hargrave is a fascinating study, as he dominated lower competition and once had a six-sack game against Bethune-Cookman that he didn't even start. There might be a wake-up call when he plays against NFL linemen, but there's potential upside.
Grade: B
Steelers select: Sean Davis, CB, Maryland
Love this pick. Love this kid. The Steelers get a safety with range who can cover and tackle. Secondary is fixed.
Grade: A+
Steelers select: Javon Hargrave, DT, South Carolina State
They needed depth for their front and this is an impressive kid. Scouts raved about him. Raw, but talented.
Grade: B