The Pittsburgh Steelers selected safety Terrell Edmunds with the 28th pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. What grade does it get?
The Pittsburgh Steelers likely shocked many when they selected Terrell Edmunds 28th overall in the 2018 NFL draft. In fact, in my draft profile of Terrell Edmunds prior to the draft, I questioned the debate between taking him in round two, or risking him falling into round three. To say that I was wrong would clearly be an understatement. Edmunds went 28th overall. So how does it grade out?
Needs?
This meets the grading criteria. The fact of the matter is that the Steelers needed a safety. The Steelers needed a linebacker. Terrell Edmunds can play safety and linebacker. He can line up in the slot. He can line up deep as a free safety. Terrell Edmunds can lineup in the box and and take on the run. And most importantly, he can play against tight ends. Lets call him the position he is, a hybrid.
Value?
The Pittsburgh Steelers know more than we know. Some had Edmunds falling into the fourth round. As mentioned, I viewed him as a fringe round two player. However, it is tough to know the board. The Steelers could take a higher value player in the second round who they knew would be around, while also knowing other teams behind them had Edmunds equally as high.
However, it is tough to not say reach. In terms of value, their grade is going to have be dinged. On paper, I saw a potential steal at his draft slot. However, he was in that draft slot for a reason.
Player?
Which brings us to what kind of player Edmunds is. Edmunds is versatile. Laterally, you can start to build a case for him to move up draft boards. Athletically and age wise, you really start to buy in. The Steelers are betting on his personality. Still, on tape, he lack instincts. He struggles to turn around in coverage and can get lost in finding the ball. Betting on sheer will and athleticism is arguable, but with as many questions as Edmunds, it is tough to get behind in round one.
Still, the Steelers are in win a Super Bowl next season mode. They signed Jon Bostic and Morgan Burnett to start. Every role needed on the roster is a sub-package one. Edmunds can get on the field as a dime linebacker. As time goes on, he can move into a starting role. Finding a player who fills an immediate need with an immediate path to playing time matters. The pick is strange to some, but could be smart in the long run.
