Steelers Receive Moderate Grade From CBS Sports For Their Draft Class

In the past two years, the Pittsburgh Steelers earned high praise for their draft classes. However, this year marks the first time general manager Omar Khan has received more moderate reviews for his draft decisions.

CBS senior sports writer Pete Prisco unveiled his annual draft class grades for each NFL team, with the Steelers receiving a C+—a downgrade from the B grade they earned last year. According to Prisco’s evaluation, the main factor contributing to the average grade was the selection of Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson in the third round.

"I like running back Kaleb Johnson, who went in the third, but I thought there were better options at the position when he was picked. I think they see him as a Le'veon Bell type of back, but that's asking a lot."

Last season, Johnson recorded an impressive 1,537 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns over 12 games with the Hawkeyes. Following the selection of Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson in the second round, Johnson appeared to be the next highly-ranked running back on the team’s draft board. Another notable option was Oklahoma State’s Ollie Gordon III, who was ultimately selected by the Miami Dolphins in the sixth round.

Prisco identified the choice of Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon in the first round, rather than a quarterback, as the standout move of the draft class. The Steelers later selected Ohio State’s Will Howard with their sixth-round pick.