Empire Writes Back
Fansided

New York Giants Receive Low Mark in 2017 NFL Draft First Round Grades

By Nick Ziegler

Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A general view before the start of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A general view before the start of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
30 of 32
Next
New York Giants
Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker T.J. Watt (42) in action during the game against the Western Michigan Broncos in the 2017 Cotton Bowl game at AT&T Stadium. The Badgers defeat the Broncos 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

C. . LB. Steelers. T.J. WATT

The Pittsburgh Steelers biggest need coming into the draft was at linebacker. Longtime middle linebacker Lawrence Timmons left as a free agent, signing with the Miami Dolphins. The Steelers cannot count on superhuman James Harrison to continue bailing them out. So, they added Wisconsin linebacker T.J. Watt with the 30th overall selection.

Watt is the younger brother of Houston Texans’ defensive end J.J. Watt. T.J. may not be as ballyhooed a product as his brother, but the Steelers are getting a good football player.

Watt doesn’t have much experience at linebacker, as he was a tight end when he started as Wisconsin. But, he shows solid athleticism that should allow him to line up at multiple spots along the front seven of the defense.

The Steelers made a slight reach for Watt, which will knock down their grade a little. The Steelers definitely needed a linebacker, and Watt fills that need, but why wouldn’t the Steelers select Reuben Foster? Foster is regarded as a top-10 talent in this draft, but saw his stock plummet because of some issues at the combine.

Foster was still on the board when the Steelers were on the clock, and went one pick later. He may have had some red flags, but if there is an organization that can get players to straighten out, it is the Steelers. Taking a shot on the superior player in Foster would have been better for the Steelers.

Teape’s Pick Grade: C

Home/New York Giants