The 2018 NFL Draft marked a strategic inflection point for the Pittsburgh Steelers as they adjusted to a new competitive landscape. This class featured early confrontations with need, value, and long term planning that shaped the franchise for the next decade.
Over multiple years, analysts and fans have revisited these decisions to understand how selections, trades, and positional battles influenced the team on and off the field.
2018 Draft Class Overview
The overall structure of the 2018 draft allowed the Steelers to address needs while preserving flexibility for future rounds.
| Pick | Player | Position | College | Round |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37 | Diontae Johnson | WR | Toledo | 2 |
| 79 | James Conner | RB | Pittsburgh | 3 |
| 83 | Minkah Fitzpatrick | S | Alabama | 3 |
| 113 | Matt Feiler | OT | Bloomsburg | 4 |
| 128 | Ryan Shazier | LB | Ohio State | 4 |
Draft Strategy and Philosophy
The Steelers entered 2018 with a clear philosophy of balancing youth with positional experience. They prioritized versatility and scheme fit over pure measurables in several key evaluations.
The early rounds focused on offensive line depth, secondary help, and a playmaker at wide receiver to complement existing talent. Each selection reflected trade off considerations between immediate impact and long term ceiling.
Key Player Evaluations
Scouting reports from the 2018 class highlighted diverse skill sets that addressed both short term gaps and future growth.
Diontae Johnson Impact
As a second round pick, Johnson demonstrated reliable hands and route running that translated into immediate contributions as a returner and slot receiver.
Minkah Fitzpatrick Performance
The third round safety became a cornerstone of the secondary, using elite leverage instincts and ball skills to drive down the field and change trajectories of opposing offenses.
Roster and Long Term Influence
The additions from this draft class affected depth charts, practice habits, and long term contract decisions that extended well beyond 2020.
Several of these players evolved into starters, demonstrating the value of patient development and scheme specific preparation.
Reflections on 2018 Draft Decisions
- Targeted needs in the secondary and backfield while maintaining roster balance.
- Traded into later rounds to add depth without sacrificing future flexibility.
- Focused on players who could adapt to multiple roles and game situations.
- Built a foundation for sustained competitiveness through smart evaluations.
FAQ
Reader questions
How did the Steelers use pick 37 in the 2018 draft?
They selected wide receiver Diontae Johnson from Toledo to add depth and a potential return option on special teams.
What role did James Conner play after being drafted at 79?
Conner became a key backup and rotational running back, contributing in both run and pass situations while learning the system.
Why was Minkah Fitzpatrick chosen with the 83rd overall pick?
Fitzpatrick was viewed as a high floor safety who could start quickly, and his playmaking ability justified moving up to secure him.
Which other notable players came from later rounds in 2018?
Matt Feiler provided offensive line depth, while Ryan Shazier remained a disruptive force despite injury challenges.