Fansided

One breakout candidate for each NFL team in 2018

By Brad Weiss

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 31: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 31: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes /
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ARLINGTON, TX – APRIL 26: Terrell Edmunds holds up a jersey and poses for photos with Ryan Shazier and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being chosen by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 28th pick during the first round at the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Statium on April 26, 2018 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington Texas. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – APRIL 26: Terrell Edmunds holds up a jersey and poses for photos with Ryan Shazier and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being chosen by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 28th pick during the first round at the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Statium on April 26, 2018 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington Texas. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

. Safety. . Terrell Edmunds. . team. 55

The Pittsburgh Steelers had another playoff season in 2017, but their season will be defined by what happened in a Monday Night Football contest against the Cincinnati Bengals on December 4. In that game, standout linebacker Ryan Shazier suffered a devastating neck injury, and there is no word as to whether or not he will play again.

The first goal for Shazier was walking again, and on draft night in April, he had the crowd on their feet by walking out to announce the team’s first round draft pick. That pick was safety Terrell Edmunds from Virginia Tech, and the 21-year old could end up being a standout player in year one this upcoming season.

Edmunds was known for his hard hits during his time with the Hokies, and he joins a Steelers defense that is not only getting younger, but a lot better. Their goal this season is to finally beat the New England Patriots and represent the AFC in the Super Bowl, and Edmunds can help them do just that.

Being drafted in the first round was not only special for Edmunds, but also his whole family, as he joined his brother Tremaine in being drafted in the first. They became the first pair of brothers to be drafted in the first round of the same draft in NFL history, and join their other brother, Trey, in the NFL.

If he is to start, Edmunds is going to have to beat out Morgan Burnett, who is currently penciled in as the team’s starting free safety. Burnett is a solid player, but Edmunds is an elite talent, and if need be, he can slide into the strong safety role in front of Sean Davis.