Pittsburgh Steelers: Rookie grades for 2019 season

Review of 2019 and Preview of 2020

Overall, only three of Pittsburgh’s rookies made measurable impacts in 2019. Bush, Johnson and Snell could continue developing with the Steelers, but they all must show the ability to compete with new free agent acquisitions and the next class of rookies.

The Steelers deserve a B- for their 2019 draft class. While someone like Bush could turn into a ten-year starter and Pro Bowler, most of Pittsburgh’s other picks seem limited in potential. Only Johnson looks like he could become a full-time starter. The others are career backups and rotation players.

There’s still plenty of time for Pittsburgh’s 2019 draft class to change the narrative surrounding their group, but things don’t look great so far. However, with Pittsburgh’s missing several draft picks in 2020, the 2019 class could face less competition from rookies heading into the 2020 season.

Unfortunately, this is a chaotic time for the Steelers. With Ben Roethlisberger‘s health and remaining ability up in the air, Pittsburgh is not a real Super Bowl contender. The defense is fantastic, but Pittsburgh’s offense looked like dead weight in 2019.

Hopefully, the organization can do something in the offseason to revive the offense’s punch. Johnson is an exciting player entering his second season, but the real focus is on Conner, Roethlisberger, and Smith-Schuster. The veterans will determine how successful the 2019 class becomes.