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Rounds 2-3 Recap: Steelers take big swing on QB, come away with good value at WR, CB, OG
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- Rounds 2-3 Recap: Steelers take big swing on QB, come away with good value at WR, CB, OG
Going into the second night of the NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers had a total of four picks for rounds two and three, and they covered a multitude of needs, several that ended up being good value. General Manager Omar Khan was determined not to miss out on a promising wide receiver prospect, so he traded up to pick Alabama wideout Germie Bernard at 47 from 53 with the Indianapolis Colts . Next up, they took a shot on a developmental quarterback prospect in Penn State's Drew Allar at 76. Secondary depth was a considerable need going into the draft, as Georgia's Daylin Everette was selected at 85. Lastly, the Steelers may have found their last puzzle piece to complete their offensive line, as they took Iowa's Gennings Dunker (who will likely move to Left Guard).
Bernard is a physical receiver who has elite hands (just 4-6 drops over 232 career targets, great route running, is positionally versatile (can inside and outside), and is also an excellent blocker (one of the best at run-blocking in his class). He will sustain drives, always willing to do the dirty work in run support. Brings a strong football IQ, excels at tempo manipulation, and exploits zone coverage gaps. Bernard profiles as a perfect third receiver in Mike McCarthy's West Coast offense, emphasizing anticipation and timing.
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Allar might be the most controversial pick on this list, but there's no hiding the fact that McCarthy wanted another quarterback to work with who has traits and tools, and he certainly got that yesterday. He has one of the strongest arms, on top of having a big 6'5 and change frame. But his mental processing and mechanics are a work in progress, making him a lottery ticket. Nonetheless, his arm talent is what's most intriguing (great velocity, makes every NFL throw), along with his size, which makes it difficult for defenders to bring him down. He does a good job at securing the football, rarely turning it over (311 pass attempts without an INT to start his career). Also brings pocket mobility that is better than expected (climbing and sliding to avoid pressure). Ultimately, it will come down to Allar improving his accuracy and ability to read/process NFL defenses.
Signing Jamel Dean was a great start in upgrading the cornerback position, pairing him with Joey Porter Jr. , but with a fairly deep room, Pittsburgh had the luxury of adding one who will develop into an eventual starter while providing meaningful depth in the short-term. Everette brings a unique skillset, one defined by blazing speed (4.38 40-yard dash), durability (rarely missing games), and good length at 6'1. His recovery speed is elite (stays in phase when beaten off snap and facing threats vertically), but he dazzles in run support (earning an 85.4 PFF grade), plays like a linebacker when initiating contact, and sheds blocks. Everette can play the perimeter, but may also be asked to work within the boundaries. Assuming he cleans up his penalty issues and footwork, he'll go from special teams contributor and rotational piece to an eventual full-time starter (no rush to start right away in 2025).
And finally, a fan favorite is the Mullet Man. Dunker is a powerfully physical lineman, excelling at the point of contact, where his hands are almost brick-like, quickly displacing defenders while supporting the run. Very nasty, plays with a mentality to finish, playing through the whistle, and on the second level, burying the opposition. His anchor strength is phenomenal, making him nearly impossible to get by through bull rushes, backed by a low center of gravity once set. Dunker will become a tone setter when he kicks inside to left guard, mauling with his play strength being elite as it is (his short-area perimeter agility, 4.63 20-yard shuffle, highlights this).
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers walk away with valuable pieces and potential starting QB
