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The second day of the NFL draft brought more Pittsburgh Steelers for Steeler Nation to cheer for. But with that, it serves up more players to serve as instant rivals to boo. Here’s who will oppose Pittsburgh as new members of the AFC North.
Round 2 Pick 33
Cincinnati Bengals select WR Tee Higgins- Clemson - 6’4”/216 LBS
2019 Stats: 15 games, 59 receptions, 1,167 yards, 19.8 yards per reception
At 6’4”, the Clemson Tiger is a huge target for Joe Burrow to look for in the red zone. With a healthy AJ Green, Tyler Boyd, John Ross and now Higgins...this is going to be a dangerous group of receivers. Higgins had 25 touchdown catches the past two seasons for Dabo Sweeney’s club. The receiver is a master at the sideline and contested catch, but their are some questions regarding his speed and his ability to separate from defenders. With all that said, Higgins will help make that offense really dangerous.
Round 2 Pick 41
Cleveland Browns select S Grant Delpit - LSU 6’2”/213 lbs.
2019 Stats: 14 games, 65 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, 7 pass defenses, 1 forced fumble
Another champion from LSU joined the AFC North. In Delpit, the Browns get a guy known for being a ballhawk that can play in the slot, on the corner and both safety positions. Delpit is fast and athletic. The rap on Grant is that he is not very physical, doesn’t tackle well and is a liability in run support. But more than anything, Cleveland gets a playmaker in the secondary.
Round 2 Pick 55 (from Atlanta)
Baltimore Ravens select RB J.K. Dobbins - Ohio State
2019 Stats: 14 games, 301 receptions, 2,003 yards, 6.7 yards per carry, 21 touchdowns
The Steelers passed on the RB and the Ravens gain a potential home run hitter in the physical Specimen that is J.K. Dobbins. Dobbins specializes as a one-cut back and can take it to the house, but he’s a physical runner with thick legs that can grind as well. Not super elusive, but a guy that will definitely let defenses know he’s there.
Round 2 Pick 60
Baltimore Ravens trade pick to the New England Patriots
Harbs keeps getting more and more selections. The Ravens receive two third rounders (the 71st and 98th) for the 60th and No. 129 in Round 4.
Round 3 Pick 65
Cincinnati Bengals select LB Logan Wilson - Wyoming
2019 Stats: 13 games, 105 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 4 interceptions, 7 pass defenses, 1 forced fumble
The Bengals wanted a linebacker and they took one to start the third round. He’s a tackling machine who is in the top five of all college players in the past three seasons with 306 tackles. Wilson is a versatile linebacker who goes sideline-to-sideline and drops well into coverage. A captain at Wyoming, Wilson gives Cincy a high character defender.
Round 3 Pick 71 (from New England)
Baltimore Ravens select DT Justin Madubuike - Texas A&M
2019 Stats: 12 games, 45 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, 1 interceptions, 2 pass defenses, 1 forced fumble
The Ravens got a whole lot more physical with the selection of the fast defensive tackle that runs like a defensive end. Madubuike will have time to be an understudy on a loaded defensive line, but when he’s full time...Charm City gets a guy with a high motor that excels against the run and can get to the quarterback.
Round 3 Pick 74
Cleveland Browns trade pick to the New Orleans Saints
The Browns are adding more picks to their draft as well and one for next year. Cleveland receives a third rounder (No. 88) and a third rounder in 2021 for the 74th and No. 244 in Round 7.
Round 3 Pick 88 (from New Orleans)
Cleveland Browns select DT Jordan Elliott - Missouri
2019 Stats: 12 games, 76 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 0 interceptions, 3 pass defenses, 1 forced fumble
The Browns were looking for a defensive tackle and found one in Elliott. The Missouri Tiger is who can get excellent penetration and is to stranger to getting into the opponent’s backfield. Plays the game in a technically sound manner.
Round 3 Pick 92
Baltimore Ravens select WR Devin Duvernay - Texas
2019 Stats: 13 games, 106 receptions, 1,386 yards, 13.1 yards per reception, 9 touchdowns.
The Texas wide receiver has explosive speed and reliable hands making him a quality option as a slot receiver. He is definitely a starter in this league, but his lack of getting separation could hinder his game. He adds a lot to a receiving stable that was led in yardage and receptions by a Tighr End last season.
Round 3 Pick 97 (from Houston)
Cleveland Browns select LB Jacob Phillips - LSU
2019 Stats: 15 games, 113 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 1.0 sacks, 0 interceptions, 1 pass defenses, 1 forced fumble
With Joe Schobert living the life in Jacksonville with his big contract, the Browns really need to find how his heir apparent. Phillips could very well be that guy with the ability to do all the basics decent, however in no way spectacular.
Round 3 Pick 98 (from New England)
Baltimore Ravens select LB Malik Harrison - Ohio State
2019 Stats: 12 games, 5 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 0 interceptions, 4 pass defenses, 2 fumble recoveries.
The Ravens really renovated their linebacker room and the selection of Harrison is another good one. The Buckeye is a run stopper extraordinaire that has a lot of experience getting acquainted with quarterbacks and who is adept at shedding tackles.
Round 3 Pick 106
Baltimore Ravens select G Tyre Phillips - Mississippi State
Phillips pushes defenders around in the running game with his mammoth frame. Stiff as a pass protector though, but it is still tough to get around this humongous specimen.
What do you think of the players who are going to be new to the division? Let us know in the comment section below, and be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as the 2020 NFL Draft continues.