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The best and worst of the Pittsburgh Steelers 2017 NFL Draft class

The Steelers had 8 draft picks in the 2017 NFL Draft, and which was the best, and worst? We take a look at the situation and give our take.

NCAA Football: Colorado at Southern California Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

In between the 2017 NFL Draft and minicamp, there is plenty of time to take a look back and evaluate just what happened, how it happened, and whether or not it could have been better throughout the three day selection process.

So, with that said, when looking at the Pittsburgh Steelers 8 draft picks, who was the best, and the worst, from the group? For the sake of discussion and debate, let’s eliminate 6th round pick Colin Holba, long snapper, due to the fact his position is one which is tough to gauge.

But what about the other 7 picks? NFL.com recently ranked every NFL team’s best and worst draft pick. See what Lance Zierlein said about the Steelers’ picks.

Best pick: JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, USC (Round 2, No. 62 overall)

The skinny: We all know Antonio Brown is the man in Pittsburgh, but the Steelers' offense is in desperate need of another reliable target with size and they added one in Smith-Schuster. He isn't going to get wide open out of his routes, but he's good with contested catches, he can work over the middle and he's a willing blocker.

Most questionable pick: Brian Allen, DB, Utah (Round 5, No. 173 overall)

The skinny: For all of Allen's length and speed, he could struggle in the NFL because he's simply not aggressive enough in run support. If he doesn't improve in that area, he will have a hard time sticking with the Steelers for very long.

The selections of Zierlein certainly have their merit, but I tend to disagree a bit. In my opinion, I would have the best and worst Steelers picks as follows:

Best pick: Cameron Sutton (Round 3)

While most think the best pick would be either T.J. Watt, or Smith-Schuster as previously mentioned, but Sutton very well could have the biggest impact on the Steelers in 2017. While Watt has James Harrison and others ahead of him on the depth chart, and Smith-Schuster will be the No. 4 WR at best, barring injury. However, Sutton has a battle with Senquez Golson and William Gay for the starting slot cornerback role in Week 1. That is a battle he could certainly win, and his punt return skills also could benefit the team, and Antonio Brown.

Worst pick: Brian Allen (Round 5)

I know agreeing with Zierlein isn’t the most original thought ever, but the selection just never made sense to me. Sure, he has upside with his size and length, but he also is extremely raw and would be fortunate to find his way on to the team’s practice squad, let alone contributing as a rookie. In the 5th round it is tough to find players who aren’t projects, but the Steelers haven’t been able to develop a cornerback in the mid-to-late rounds in the Mike Tomlin era.

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What about you? Who do you view as the best, and worst, draft pick for the Steelers in the 2017 NFL Draft class? Let us know in the comment section below.