Home Steelers 2020 Season Draft History Key Ingredient to Pittsburgh’s Success

Draft History Key Ingredient to Pittsburgh’s Success

by SCB 2019
steelcityblitz.com

As one of the most successful franchises of all-time, the Pittsburgh Steelers are always in the spotlight in the NFL. Every time Pittsburgh hits the gridiron, they have a group of supporters (and haters) watching their every move.

With 6 super bowl victories in 8 appearances, several winning seasons, and a collective group in the Hall of Fame, Pittsburgh has seen success throughout many decades.

To be this successful at the highest level, a franchise needs a formula that is proven and applicable. While every team does things differently, the Steelers have found a perfect recipe for success. Like a chef that has mastered the art of cooking, the Steelers have mastered the art of winning football games.

Many ingredients go into team success. Money spent is a huge factor, as well as personnel. Mike Tomlin has been a pillar in Pittsburgh’s success over the years. But one thing Pittsburgh does tremendously well is scouting.

Draft history proves that the Steelers’ strategies draft selection works the present-day Steelers is a group of players picked from the draft and molded by the Pittsburgh franchise.

JuJu Smith-Schuster, Benny Snell Jr., Terrell Edmunds, T.J. Watt, and James Conner are just a handful of names originally selected by Pittsburgh that have made an impact with the organization.

JohnsonThe 2019 draft class is no different for the Steelers. Canadian Chase Claypool was taken in the second round of the 2019 draft and has impressed during his rookie season. The 22-year-old has 57 targets this season, with 35 receptions. Only Diontae Johnson and Smith-Schuster have more targets and receptions this season.

Claypool leads the team in receiving touchdowns (7) and averages 55.6 yards per game. Claypool has elevated the Steelers’ offense, giving veteran QB Ben Roethlisberger (another draft pick of Pittsburgh) many weapons downfield.

With a group like Smith-Schuster, Johnson, Claypool, and Eric Ebron as potential passing targets, it’s no surprise the Steelers are scoring 30.1 points per game.

Claypool’s early success in the NFL has skyrocketed him up the betting boards as well. Claypool has Offensive Rookie of the Year in his sights, although he is facing some stiff competition. Betway Sports has Claypool at +1500 to win OROY, behind the likes of Tua Tagovailoa (+400), Justin Herbert (+130), and Joe Burrow (+120).

No one can discredit what the aforementioned names are doing. Those three QB’s are pillars to their respective teams’ success this season. However, Claypool has jumped over some notable names like Clyde Edwards-Helaire (+3300) and CeeDee Lamb (+5000) to be in the mix for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Claypool has seen success at every level of football. Since the early days of setting receiving records in Abbotsford, Canada, Claypool has literally taken the ball and ran with it. In the NCAA, Claypool was a huge part of Notre Dame. In his final season with the Fighting Irish, Claypool racked up 66 receptions and 13 touchdowns, a career-high in both categories.

The early success of Claypool shows how good the front office of Pittsburgh is. Their scouting department spends hours reviewing film and interviewing players to ensure they are selecting the right person.

Pittsburgh’s long list of scouts have done well-picking players from the college level. There are no-brainers in their selections from the draft, but then the Steelers do a good job in finding value in later rounds.

Vince Williams was selected 206th overall in the 2013 Draft. Williams is just one example of how Pittsburgh can routinely find diamonds in the rough.

Claypool is the perfect example of a player that was highly touted. Surprisingly, he didn’t go in the first round, but the Steelers were able to snag him in the second round. Again, Pittsburgh has built this franchise through the draft, and Claypool is another player that has showcased the front office and scouting depth of the Steelers organization.

There are many factors to success. A perfect 9-0 to start the season, Pittsburgh has their finger on the pulse of success. Claypool is chasing down Offensive Rookie of the Year and is turning heads every time he steps on the field.

What makes Pittsburgh special is their dedication to detail. You know that being picked by the Steelers means they spent hours breaking you down, ensuring they pick the right player.

And for a team that is as decorated as the Steelers, they do a tremendous job in raising future stars of the NFL.

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