Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images
Good news, Steelers Nation. After being subjected to a mind numbing amount of mock drafts and plenty of unsubstantiated speculation during what seemed like an inordinately long pre-draft process, minus the Scouting Combine to break up the monotony, the 2021 NFL Draft is finally upon us. I have been given the distinguished task of trying to apply a letter grade to each Steelers selection.
There are specific criteria necessary when attempting to accurately and fairly grade any draft pick. Only time will reveal the validity of any grade given, but I will utilize certain parameters as I attempt to apply an initial grade for each Steelers draft pick. I base each grade on projected roster fit, potential immediate impact, and assumed draft value. Draft value is achieved by evaluating each players actual selection against their projected draft position, whether that be player rankings or projected round.
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The year was 1983, future hall of fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw was entering his final professional football season having just had offseason elbow surgery. The Steelers were entering the NFL Draft with question marks surrounding the future of their quarterback position. Internally, Mark Malone, who was drafted three years prior, was seen as the man to take the torch. When it was time to make their pick with the 21st selection, Pitt quarterback Dan Marino was still on the board. The Steelers decided against drafting the gunslinger in favor of a defensive lineman. Marino would go on to be one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, while the Steelers would venture through their darkest era since the league merger.