Grading the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2020 NFL Draft class, a year later

The 2021 NFL Draft is quickly approaching, and every year after the selection process is over, experts are quick to slap grades on every teams’ picks. The knee jerk reaction is understandable, but grading a player who has yet to play a snap of professional football seems just a bit hasty.

With that said, if these experts are grading the pick itself, looking at who was available when the pick was made and grading the decision making process, those grades are a bit more valid compared to grading a player who has yet to even make his debut in the NFL.

So, how long does it take for a grade to be validated? At what point can you look back and place a grade with a draft pick, or an entire draft class?

One year?

Two years?

Wait until their rookie contracts expire?

The duration of time is up for debate, but after a year in the books the people at SB Nation asked Pittsburgh Steelers fans what their grade would be for the class of 2020? After a year in the system, fans said they thought the grade was above average, but merely a ‘B’.

The Steelers’ draft class, which was comprised of the following picks:

Round 2: WR Chase Claypool, Notre Dame
Round 3: OLB Alex Highsmith, Charlotte
Round 4: OG Kevin Dotson, Louisiana
Round 4: RB Anthony McFarland, Maryland
Round 6: S Antoine Brooks Jr., Maryland
Round 7: DL Carlos Davis, Nebraska

The unique aspect of the Steelers’ draft class last year was how it was the first draft class to have all members make the team, and all appear in the regular season. The first time that ever happened in franchise history.

With all of the players contributing in some way, does that impact your grade? Do you agree with the NFL Reacts grade of a ‘B’, or do you think this draft class should be an ‘A’? Keep in mind, as many outlets have done re-drafts of the 2020 NFL Draft, the Steelers had three players who were labeled as first round picks. Those players were: Claypool, Dotson and Highsmith.

Just some food for thought.

Let us know what grade you give in the poll below, and be sure to explain yourself in the comment section below. Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news on the Steelers as they prepare for the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft.