Artie Burns Reaction + 2nd Round Prediction

Pick Reaction 

Artie Burns (Cornerback) - Miami - 6'0" 193 lbs. 

As soon as the Bengals took William Jackson III (ugh) and the Steelers were on the clock, I tweeted out how I think the Steelers should trade back. As soon as I hit send, the Steelers had submitted their pick. 

The fastest pick of the first round was pick 25 for the Steelers, Artie Burns. 

I had a similar initial reaction to when Ryan Shazier was drafted: "...huh?"

Burns has all the necessary tools to be a great corner in the league, he's just raw and lacks a lot of experience. Just seems like an odd Steelers pick considering they've had trouble not only drafting, but developing cornerbacks. I was chatting with Joe Kuzma of Steel City Underground and we were both equally perplexed following the announcement. 

However, a further look and some further thinking about Burns should give fans reasons to be excited. You see statistics showing QB's had a passer-rating of 39.8 when targeting Burns and how he had 6 interceptions in 2015. You see a guy with the measurables to be a star in this league. You see a man with strong character, who had to be the man of his household once his father went to jail. You see a player with the swagger and confidence that Tomlin loves. 

The Steelers are taking the initiative to re-build this secondary. They view Artie Burns as a building block, a piece of clay for them to mold. Many may see this pick as a reach or overreaction, but I trust my team and it's leaders. The Steelers didn't hesitate to take him, showing that they believe in Burns and think he can be a major asset to this team. He obviously won't be a star from day one, but the potential is there. Welcome to Steeler Nation Artie. 

2nd Round Prediction

In the second round I'm anticipating the Steelers checking out safeties, defensive lineman, as well as some of the linebackers/edge-rushers still available. There are many guys at each position that would be great fits with the Steelers. 

Defensive lineman still available:

• Andrew Billings
• Chris Jones
• Jarran Reed
• A'Shawn Robinson 
• Jonathan Bullard
• Javon Hargrave
• Jihad Ward 

Safeties still available:

• Darian Thompson
• Vonn Bell 
• Jeremy Cash 
• Justin Simmons
• TJ Green 

Linebackers/EDGE still available:

• Noah Spence 
• Kamalei Correa
• Shilique Calhoun
• Reggie Ragland 

Steeler fans shouldn't have any worries; there are still many great players available. The Steelers are a smart team and we should all trust them to take a great player that will contribute to our team. 

My guess is the Steelers draft a safety in the 2nd round and continue to rebuild their secondary. They did an extensive amount of research on safeties this offseason and ideally one of the guys they want will fall. Defensive line depth is certainly a need in this draft, but because a safety would play a bigger role for this defense, I give safety priority. Linebacker/edge rusher can't be forgotten either. If either Spence, Correa, or Ragland fall to the 58th pick, I'm sure they would be considered.  

My 2nd round prediction: Darian Thompson 

Final Thoughts:

Tonight reaffirmed what we all know: you can never predict the draft. 

Overall I'm happy with the selection of Artie Burns. I was very skeptical at first, but as I read more about him and saw what Tomlin & Colbert said about him following the pick, I believe he was the right selection. 

I can't wait to see who else we draft tomorrow that fans will surely freak out about. 

Thanks for reading.