The Steelers had one pick in each of the final four rounds of the Draft. After addressing their biggest needs on both offense (RB and WR) and defense (EDGE and CB) on the first two days in the draft, they had the opportunity to focus on improving their depth on the third day. The Steelers used their four selections on Tennessee QB Josh Dobbs, Utah CB Brian Allen, Louisville LS Colin Holba and Western Michigan EDGE Keion Adams.
Fourth Round (#135 Overall)
Joshua Dobbs
QB – Tennessee
Analysis
Many identified Dobbs as one of the sleeper prospects of this draft class. He was a multi-year starter at Tennessee who was pegged as a Heisman contender coming into this season. He played behind one of the worst offensive lines in the country, but used his escapability to put up monster rushing numbers. Dobbs also led his team from behind in the second have to numerous wins throughout the season. He will have the opportunity to sit and learn and develop behind Ben and Landry in the short term. Landry’s current deal is only for two years and the selection of Dobbs give the Steelers an insurance policy for the future at the QB position.
Scouting Reports
Videos
Twitter Reaction
#Steelers take Josh Dobbs. So sanity prevails
— Dale Lolley (@dlolley_pgh) April 29, 2017
Dobbs replaced Nate Peterman at Tennessee after one disastrous start
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) April 29, 2017
Ok. Not at all a fan. With Jones signed for 2 years. Seems a waste https://t.co/vdHUWn4InF
— Steelers Takeaways 🌗 (@PittsburghSport) April 29, 2017
SPACE DOBBS IN BLACK AND GOLD
— Josh Rowntree (@JRown32) April 29, 2017
https://twitter.com/CrimsonTider74/status/858373663422386177
Josh Dobbs: 1,500ish yards rushing last 2 seasons at Tennessee
— Will Graves (@WillGravesAP) April 29, 2017
Pittsburgh is a great fit for Josh Dobbs to develop.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) April 29, 2017
https://twitter.com/NDTScouting/status/858374192948928514
JOSH DOBBS FUCK YEA
— AJ Steelers (@AJAndrew83) April 29, 2017
Dobbs in PIT is a great fit.
— Brendan Leister (@BrendanLeister) April 29, 2017
Joshua Dobbs is the 1st Tennessee QB selected in the 1st 4 rounds since Peyton Manning Went 1st overall in 1998.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 29, 2017
Josh Dobbs is literally a rocket scientist. Damn. #Steelers
— MB (@MBren21) April 29, 2017
Pick 135 last year: Dak Prescott
Pick 135 this year: Joshua Dobbs pic.twitter.com/CG4yAiHywO
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) April 29, 2017
QB Josh Dobbs to #PIT at 135 in R4 is low risk high reward move. #NFLDraft
— Andy Furman (@UltimateNYG) April 29, 2017
Fifth Round (#173 Overall)
Brian Allen
CB – Utah
Analysis
Allen isn’t the best tackler but he is tall and long – measuring 6’3″ with 34″ arms. He doesn’t have an explosive vertical but his length allows him to compete for the ball down the field. He is another solid press man corner that will play physical in short areas and use his size to his advantage. Athletically, he profiles more similarly with safety prospects (including Harrison Smith and Mark Barron) than he does with other corners. It will be interesting to see if the Steelers deploy him as a corner or attempt to convert him to safety.
Scouting Reports
Videos
Twitter Reaction
Scary stat about 6-3 CB Brian Allen: 20-yard shuttle time of 4.34 nearly matches his 40 time of 4.48. Not too shifty I suppose.
— James C Wexell (@jimwexell) April 29, 2017
Anybody upset with the Steelers taking a 6'3 CB with 34" arms and 4.48 speed? didn't think so. Welcome to Pittsburgh Brian Allen!
— Eric Herm (@EricHermPGH) April 29, 2017
CB Brian Allen Utah. I studied him and he's got some outstanding man cover skills. Came to Utah as WR but he's a press corner. #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/RbkrTdivQD
— Steel Legends (@Steel_Legends) April 29, 2017
CB Brian Allen of Utah is the fifth-round pick. 6-3, 215, raw, but lots of upside.
— Ray Fittipaldo (@rayfitt1) April 29, 2017
https://twitter.com/CrimsonTider74/status/858401396886056960
https://twitter.com/danibostick/status/858401781520502784
Brian Allen is a tall and athletic CB. Definitely a developmental pick but Tomlin's invested in lots of long-shot highly athletic DBs.
— Neal Coolong (@NealCoolong) April 29, 2017
If you listen to the @TerriblePodcast you already know a little about new #Steelers CB Brian Allen thanks to buddy Dave-Te' Thomas.
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) April 29, 2017
Sixth Round (#213 Overall)
Colin Holba
LS – Louisville
Analysis
The Steelers drafted a long snapper.
Scouting Reports
Videos
LOL
Twitter Reaction
Long snapper alert! Holba has excellent length for the position. But come on man, Greg Warren forever.
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) April 29, 2017
BREAKING: The #Steeler just selected a long snapper in the 6th round!
— Logan Lamorandier (@LLamorandier) April 29, 2017
#Steelers have checked out of the draft. RT https://t.co/WYjTCbhImo
— Neal Coolong (@NealCoolong) April 29, 2017
I talked to Steelers long snapper Colin Holba and tried to get him to call Bruce Arians a liar. He asked me if I worked for Barstool.
— Justis Mosqueda (@JuMosq) April 29, 2017
https://twitter.com/LedyardNFLDraft/status/858428268889993216
A longsnapper. Wut. #Steelers
— Josh Rowntree (@JRown32) April 29, 2017
Man, Pro Football Reference doesn't even give you the option of searching for long snappers to be drafted.
— Chris Bradford (@PghBradford) April 29, 2017
a LS in the 6th round. Bravo, Colbert. You suck.
— Cnic △⃒⃘ (@Cnic__) April 29, 2017
Holba when asked if he was hosting a draft party: "I've got a few friends over but I wouldn't call it a party. Just passing the day."
— James C Wexell (@jimwexell) April 29, 2017
My favorite player bio ever. #Steelers pic.twitter.com/CUORjERFl8
— David Todd (@DavidMTodd) April 29, 2017
Seventh Round (#248 Overall)
Keion Adams
EDGE – Western Michigan
Analysis
The Steelers used a 7th round pick to draft a player whose NFL comp is Arthur Moats. He is quick on his feet but a little undersized for the 3-4 OLB role. He is an above-average athlete (something I discussed after the TJ Watt pick that is a huge benefit to EDGE rushers). His current strength is his foot quickness and he will be able to contribute immediately on special teams. His pass rushing technique needs some refinement but he likely won’t be asked to play in a starting role any time soon.
Scouting Reports
Videos
Twitter Reaction
Vince Williams had the best Steelers draft of all.
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) April 29, 2017
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