The Steelers finished up their 2019 draft class’ contracts on Thursday, coming to terms with third-round pick Justin Layne on the customary four-year rookie deal.
Although the Steelers had already signed fellow third-rounder Diontae Johnson, 26 third-round picks remain unsigned across the NFL. The CBA’s vague language regarding third-rounders’ contracts annually creates delays in teams signing these players.
But Layne is now in the fold and is expected to compete for an immediate role in Pittsburgh’s secondary. After beginning his Michigan State career as a wide receiver, the former Cleveland-area high school standout became a high-end cornerback prospect. The 6-foot-2 defender started 26 games for the Spartans and joins a Steelers secondary that features Joe Haden, Mike Hilton, Steven Nelson and underwhelming former first-rounder Artie Burns.
Here is the Steelers’ 2019 draft class:
- 1-10: Devin Bush, LB (Michigan): Signed
- 3-66: Diontae Johnson, WR (Toledo): Signed
- 3-83: Justin Layne, CB (Michigan State): Signed
- 4-122: Benny Snell, RB (Kentucky): Signed
- 5-141: Zach Gentry, TE (Michigan): Signed
- 6-175: Sutton Smith, LB (Northern Illinois): Signed
- 6-192: Isaiah Buggs, DT (Alabama): Signed
- 6-207: Ulysees Gilbert III, LB (Akron): Signed
- 7-219: Derwin Gray, OL (Maryland): Signed
Such a sneaky good draft by the Steelers again. Especially the Layne and Snell picks. Bush is a no brainer. The only real questionable pick is Johnson when McLaurin was sitting there. But nothing else to argue about from this Steelers fan
There were other players I would have liked more than Gentry in the 5th, but yes I agree with everything else said.