ESPN NFL Draft expert Todd McShay calls CB Justin Layne his favorite of the Steelers draft

06

May 2019

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Everyone has their own opinion on the Steelers’ 2019 draft class, but ESPN expert Todd McShay has one particular player he liked out of the 9 players.

No matter what we do in life, we all have our favorites. Whether it is our favorite NFL team, the music we listen to or the foods we eat. It is natural to have a favorite.

But what about players which are drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers?

Yes, even there we all tend to have our own personal favorites, and we aren’t alone. ESPN’s NFL Draft expert Todd McShay went through all 32 NFL teams’ draft picks and picked out his favorite of the bunch.

What makes a player be considered for the “best pick” or a “favorite”? McShay explains here:

Remember: “Best pick” does not necessarily mean “best player.” Team needs, the value a player presented in comparison to my board, and any trades related to the pick all factor in here. New 49ers pass-rusher Nick Bosa is obviously the top prospect, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he is the Niners’ best pick of the weekend in Nashville. (Spoiler: He’s not).

With that said, here is who McShay likes the most out of the Steelers’ 2019 draft class:

Pittsburgh Steelers

Justin Layne, CB, Michigan State (Round 3, No. 83 overall)

Joe Haden is in a contract year, and Artie Burns just hasn’t done a whole lot despite being a high pick in 2016. So corner is a sneaky need for the Steelers. And they got Layne 30 spots past where I ranked him. Even with Steven Nelson in black and yellow, Layne should push for a top-three job right out of the gate. He is a press corner who can read receivers and then turn and run with them very well.

The Devin Bush pick received serious consideration here, as he will be the face of the defense without Ryan Shazier. But the value on Layne was just too good. The Michigan State corner needs to get stronger still, but he has a high ceiling.

When you think about the nine players the Steelers brought in throughout the 7-round selection process, you have to ask yourself which pick was your favorite. But before answering right away, you have to ask yourself how you deem a player your favorite? Do you follow McShay’s thinking? Or do you follow a different path to finding your favorite draft pick?

Let us know which pick was your favorite, and why, in the comment section below!