Steelers: Re-grading every draft pick of the last 5 years

Grading the Steelers 2019 NFL Draft

Grading Steelers 2019 first-round pick: LB Devin Bush Jr. – C-

Bush had a nice rookie season. He had 109 combined tackles, nine tackles for loss, and four fumble recoveries. Since then, it has become increasingly difficult to justify taking him with the 10th overall pick. He has not posted a PFF grade of 60+, since his rookie season. In Week 16, he played behind former practice squad signee Robert Spillane.

Grading Steelers 2019 third-round pick: WR Diontae Johnson – A-

In 2021, Johnson broke out with 107 receptions for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns. As a result, he was selected to his first Pro Bowl. That is excellent production to get out of a third-round pick.

Grading Steelers 2019 third-round pick: CB Justin Layne – D+

Layne never started a single game for the Steelers. He appeared in 43 games playing a limited role. He totaled 41 combined tackles. He was waived by the Steelers in 2022.

Grading Steelers 2019 fourth-round pick: RB Benny Snell Jr. – B-

In four seasons, Snell has rushed for 982 yards and seven touchdowns. He has only averaged a meager 3.6 yards per carry, but he is quietly playing the best football of his career this season. In very limited action, Snell has a PFF grade of 84.0. The 24-year-old should remain a quality NFL player moving forward.

Grading Steelers 2019 fifth-round pick: TE Zach Gentry – C+

For a Day 3 pick, Gentry has been fine. He has 38 career receptions for 280 yards. He is often deployed as a blocker.

Grading Steelers 2019 sixth-round pick: LB Sutton Smith – F

Again, this is not an indictment on Smith. The Steelers waived him only four months after drafting him. He never played a game for them. He did appear in eight games for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021.

Grading Steelers 2019 sixth-round pick: DT Isaiah Buggs – A-

Buggs played 29 games for the Steelers and made seven starts. He totaled 31 combined tackles, two tackles for loss, and a pass defended. That is nice value in the sixth round.

This season, Buggs is playing for the Detroit Lions. In 15 games, he has 38 combined tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and two passes defended.

Grading Steelers 2019 sixth-round pick: LB Ulysees Gilbert III – B

Gilbert played 533 special teams snaps in three seasons for the Steelers. He is currently with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Grading Steelers 2019 seventh-round pick: OT Derwin Gray – C

Gray played in five games for the Steelers. He signed with the Birmingham Stallions in the USFL in December.