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How the deployment of Terrell Edmunds is the key to the Steelers 2020 NFL Draft

A new role for Edmunds could see the Steelers go in a direction Steelers fans weren’t expecting

NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at San Francisco 49ers
The Steelers third year safety may be the key to figuring out the teams biggest draft need.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Many Pittsburgh Steelers fans have been pining for the team to chase a running back like JK Dobbins or a wide out like Jalen Reagor in the upcoming 2020 NFL Draft. The team’s biggest defensive needs appear to be adding depth players to its safety and linebacking corps, so naturally adding talent to an offense that struggled without Ben Roethlisberger would be the most obvious decision.

However, I do expect the Steelers to utilize the size and skill set of Terrell Edmunds in multiple situations at the inside linebacker position. He’s best in coverage inside the box, and would make the most sense for the team to play Edmunds down and take Vince Williams off the field in passing situations.

This leaves a substantial hole at strong safety as Jordan Dangerfield, a predominantly special teams player, as the top option.

Here is where the 49th pick of the draft could result in Pittsburgh killing two birds with one stone.

Cal safety, Ashtyn Davis is the 49th prospect on the Sports Illustrated big board and if he falls into the Steelers lap he could quite possibly be the guy.

Davis is an athletic freak that excels in zone coverage and possess great recovery speed. A tough tackler, and scouts rave about his character.

Pairing Davis with Minkah Fitzpatrick in the back end would be a scary turnover creating duo while allowing Edmunds to play a role where he would excel.

Davis is also a more than willing special teamer, twice being named Cal’s special teams MVP.

NCAA Football: California at Utah
Davis pulled in 7 interceptions in his college career and broke up 12 passes for Cal
Gabe Mayberry-USA TODAY Sports

If the Steelers draft Davis I'd expect him to be the top backup at both safety positions, a situational third safety, a special teams beast, and someone who will push Terrell Edmunds for starts.

What do you think? Should the Steelers target Ashtyn Davis with the 49th pick? Let us know in the comments below!