Originally Posted by
Mojouw
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2455602-great-draft-class-doesnt-matter-rookies-rarely-have-an-immediate-impact
The article is a few years out of date, but the underlying trends and data are sound. What does it say? It basically argues that outside of a few guys each season, that "...Even an outstanding draft might add no more than half a game to a team's expected record." Further the data shows that, "...The good news of this study is that NFL players still develop into stars over the course of a season or two, and championships are won by stringing together several productive draft classes."
So what does that mean for the Steelers? It means that 2015's and 2016's draft classes will have far more of an impact on this season than 2017's will.
I think we all need to reign it in a bit with the "they must select an impact XXX with YYY pick talk. Because unless they trade for Myles Garrett or a new starting QB, the player they select is likely to have very little impact on the W-L record of the 2017 Pittsburgh Steelers. But they could have a significant impact in 2018 and beyond.
If the Defense is going to take the next step in aiding in a deep playoff run, then that uptick in production will come far more from Dupree, Burns, Davis, Shazier, Tuitt, Hargrave, and Cockrell than likely anyone picked in this draft. On offense, look for a boost from Rogers, Coates, James, and/or Severin prior to some 3rd round RB.