4. Rookies Play a Minimal Role

Pittsburgh invested several picks from the 2020 NFL Draft into offensive skill players. The team used their top pick on Notre Dame wide receiver Chase Claypool and picked up Anthony McFarland Jr. in the fourth-round.

Some fans believe the two rookies could play a significant role in Pittsburgh’s offense this coming season. However, the Steelers don’t need immediate production from their new players. The team already features capable veterans who deserve another shot at proving their worth.

While the Steelers used a second-round pick on Claypool, he’s a raw prospect who relies on his physical traits more than his technique. With Pittsburgh’s wide receiver corps already featuring three high draft picks from the past four years, Claypool faces an uphill battle.

There’s a greater chance that McFarland sees the field than Claypool. At the NFL combine, McFarland ran a 4.44 40-yard dash, which separates him from Pittsburgh’s other running backs. James Conner and Benny Snell Jr. both run the 40 in about 4.65 seconds while Jaylen Samuels posted a 4.54 at the combine in 2018.

The Steelers put a ton of skill players around Ben Roethlisberger over the past four years. Instead of scrapping them and starting over with rookies, the team should show some faith and keep Claypool and McFarland on the bench for at least the beginning of the 2020 season.