ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: The Pittsburgh Steelers logo is seen on a video board during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The Steelers don’t have a first-round pick as a result of trading for Minkah Fitzpatrick last season. Instead, the Dolphins will pick at No. 18, though I’m sure Pittsburgh is happy with the deal, as Fitzpatrick should be a cornerstone in the secondary for years to come.
The team doesn’t have its third-round pick (though it has a compensatory selection) because of their deal with the Broncos last year at the draft. The team traded from No. 20 to No. 10 in order to select LB Devin Bush, giving up their 2019 second-rounder in addition to the 2020 third.
Pittsburgh has a second-round pick, as they select at No. 49.
List of Steelers Picks
Round 1 – None
Round 2 – Pick 17 (No. 49)
Round 3 – Pick 38 (No. 102)
Round 4 – Pick 18 (No. 124)
Round 5 – Pick 29 (No. 135)
Round 6 – Pick 19 (No. 198)
Round 7 – Pick 18 (No. 232)
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Dolphins Among Winners in Round 1
Miami’s picks come down to risk vs. reward, though if they hit, the team is set up for the next decade. Tua Tagovailoa may need to be eased into the position, as Ryan Fitzpatrick is projected to be the day one starter in Miami. However, he has top-level talent and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Dolphins go on a run of AFC East division titles.
Austin Jackson could become a 12-year starter at left tackle if he can put it all together. Noah Igbinoghene has the potential to become a top shutdown corner in the league. Miami is setting itself up for the future with several more picks to come.
The Cowboys are another team that have to feel great about their pick on Day 1. They didn’t enter the draft without needs. Cornerback and safety were among the positions that the team is lacking, though Dallas opted to stack on top of strength, adding dynamic playmaker Cee Dee Lamb at the wide receiver position. Lamb will give Dak Prescott yet another weapon to go along with Amari Cooper, who re-signed this past offseason, and Michael Gallup, who had a breakout sophomore campaign.
The Jets made a prudent pick. Mekhi Becton was expected to go in the top half of the draft and New York will happily take him as they need someone to protect Sam Darnold’s blindside for years to come.
Becton, who is listed at 364 lbs, ran a sub-5 40 at the combine. He is a former basketball high school player with exceptional footwork, though he’ll need some time to get up to speed in the NFL. The decision to take Becton likely takes them out of running to trade for the Redskins disgruntled left tackle Trent Williams. The Jets had been named as a team that could deal for the veteran.
Finally, the Redskins. Sometimes the most obvious choice is the best decision. Chase Young was arguably the best prospect in the draft and the Redskins took the edge rusher despite strong trade interest for the No. 2 pick. Washington could have set themselves up for the future with a major trade, collecting assets from Atlanta or another team. Ultimately, the franchise stood pat. Young will join a ferocious defensive front in Washington that includes Montez Sweat, Ryan Kerrigan, Daron Payne, Jonathan Allen, and Matt Ioannidis.