Looking back at the 2016 NFL draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers looked to have secured three high-end defensive starters this team could really build around. Now, with just weeks until free agency, it looks like all those players will be gone and the team will be left with only a single member of their 2016 class on the roster.
The Steelers broke from two decades of history when they drafted cornerback Artie Burns in the first round. I don’t know if any draft pundits felt like the pick was good value and felt very reactionary after the Cincinnati Bengals drafted William Jackson just one pick ahead of them. Jackson has developed into one of the better cornerbacks in the AFC while Burns has floundered.
Safety Sean Davis looked like a steal in the second round. Unfortunately, his game hasn’t translated to the NFL like many had hoped. Now, after a season-ending injury and a huge trade for his replacement, it looks like he won’t be back.
Finally, we have defensive tackle Javon Hargrave. One of the most underrated guys from that entire draft class, he’s been a sleeper star for Pittsburgh. So much so, there’s very little chance the Steelers will be able to afford him when free agency begins.
Then when you figure in offensive lineman Jerald Hawkins who was traded, linebacker Travis Feeney and wide receiver Demarcus Ayers who are both long gone, it leaves only seventh-round linebacker Tyler Matakevich on the roster potentially when the 2020 season starts. But this isn’t even a lock as Matakevich is an unrestricted free agent as well.
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