Predicting the Steelers ‘digit identity’ for the 2018 Draft class

A number is an athlete’s identity. Some free agent arrivals try to pay big bucks to get the same number they’ve worn elsewhere. But for rookies, a lot of times they are at the mercy of the equipment managers. Join us as BTSC continues our fun tradition of predicting what digits the new Pittsburgh Steelers draft class will proudly represent.

S Terrell Edmunds - Virginia Tech

Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images

Edmunds wore “deuces” in college at Virginia Tech. With William Gay a member of the New York Giants, 22 seems like a logical choice for the Hokie first-rounder. However, Stevan Ridley has this particular number now. Edmunds might get a different set come September, but for now let’s go with No. 38.

College Number: 22

Projected Number: 38

Level of Certainty: Low

WR James Washington - Oklahoma State

Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Last year, I was right on when predicting that JuJu Smith-Schuster would don No. 19. The Steelers went with a wideout in the 2nd round again this year. With Mike Hilton moving to No. 28, I’m thinking No. 18 for the Belitnikoff Award Winner.

College Number: 28

Projected Number: 18

Level of Certainty: Decent

QB Mason Rudolph - Oklahoma State

Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images

This one seems like a slam dunk. Rudolph’s collegiate Number should be the same as in college.

College Number: 2

Projected Number: 2

Level of Certainty: Very High

OT Chukwuma “Chuks” Okorafor - Western Michigan

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Marcus Gilbert has sported the double-sevens since 2011. I picture the big third-rounder staying in the seventies. Chris Hubbard vacated No. 74 when he left for Cleveland, but I’m feeling a different set for “Chuks”.

College Number: 77

Projected Number: 72

Level of Certainty: High

S Marcus Allen - Penn State

Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

All of the 20s and most of the 30s are occupied for now, so the Nittany Lion’s number will take some heavy thought. Even if he won a coin toss with Rudolph, the safety can’t go single digits and wear his PSU No. 2. With that being the case, let’s match another Steeler Safety from PSU and give Marcus a shot at Darren Perry’s No. 39 (Also worn by RB James Summers).

College Number: 2

Projected Number: 39

Level of Certainty: Mild

RB Jaylen Samuels - North Carolina State

Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

Samuels isn’t getting the jersey that Gary Anderson wore from 1982-1994 in Pittsburgh, so don’t expect the Wolf Pack H-Back to get his college digit. H-Backs need something in the 40s, so (despite LB Keith Kelsey wearing it) let’s go 46.

College Number: 1

Projected Number: 46

Level if Certainty: Low

DT Joshua Frazier - Alabama

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The big dog from Bama wore No. 69 in college. It’s a good fit here.

College Number: 69

Projected Number: 69

Level of Certainty: Fairly High