The Pittsburgh Steelers experienced a frustrating 2019. With the 2020 NFL Draft just around the corner, we look at a few potential Crimson Tide prospects who could get the Black and Gold into the playoffs.
After quite the drought, the Pittsburgh Steelers have begun to bolster its roster with former Alabama Crimson Tide players. In 2019 alone, the Steelers added two Crimson Tide alumni to its top-ranked defense.
With the 192nd pick in the 6th round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the Steelers selected Isaiah Buggs. Buggs is one of two Crimson Tide players (Joshua Frazier, 2018) selected by Pittsburgh since 1998. Back then, Pittsburgh drafted cornerback Deshea Townsend, who enjoyed a long and successful Steelers career. Buggs saw just 75 defensive snaps in 2019, however, the bulk of that action came late in the season as injuries began to pile up. Buggs showed promise and could find a true role in the defense soon.
Flash forward to Week four of the 2019 season, the Steelers sent its first overall pick in this year’s draft to Miami for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick proved to be every bit the value, instantly jumping into the Defensive Player of the Year discussion. With five interceptions and two fumble recoveries and another forced, Fitzpatrick was second on the team in total turnovers behind TJ Watt.
Minkah Fitzpatrick highlights 5 INT and 2 Fumbles so far in 2019 season with Steelers. #DPOY. @steelers @minkfitz_21 #SteelersNation pic.twitter.com/VGhs4Ep6s4
— Highlights Essentials (@HighlightsEsse1) December 6, 2019
After having a taste of what Nick Saban’s products are truly capable of, it wouldn’t be surprising to see General Manager Kevin Colbert look a bit closer at this year’s Alabama prospects. Let’s dive into a mock draft for the Steelers and see which Crimson Tide products could find themselves in Black and Gold in 2020.