Steelers acquire an additional third-round pick
The Steelers got some good news from the NFL a general manager Kevin Colbert and company prepare to head to the NFL Scouting Combine next week in Indianapolis as the team was awarded a third-round compensatory pick in this year’s draft.
The third-round pick, 105 overall, gives the Steelers eight selections in the seven-round draft, including the 30th pick in the first round.
The Steelers lost nose tackle Steve McLendon, cornerback Antwon Blake, fullback Will Johnson, cornerback Brandon Boykin, offensive tackle Kelvin Beachum, offensive lineman Byron Stingily and running back Jordan Todman in free agency. They signed tight end Ladarius Green, offensive tackle Ryan Harris, linebacker Steven Johnson and defensive end Ricardo Mathews.
The NFL awards compensation picks based on a formula that takes into account free agent losses and gains.
The Steelers had assumed they would get at least one compensatory pick but felt it would be in the later rounds, likely a sixth- or seventh-round selection.
The additional third-round pick is a bonus and comes with added value this year since compensatory picks can be traded for the first time. Previously, compensatory picks were not permitted to be included in trades.
With the additional third-round pick, the Steelers now have four of the top 105 picks in this year’s draft, which will be held April 27 through 29.
Teams will get a look at many of the draft prospects at the NFL Draft Combine, which runs next Tuesday through Monday, March 6.
Two local players, both Pitt products have been invited to this year’s combine.
Tight end Scott Orndoff, a Waynesburg native who attended Seton-La Salle High School, and guard Dorian Johnson, a Belle Vernon product, are two of five Pitt players who will work out at this year’s combine.
Denver, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Kansas City each received four compensatory picks, while Seattle will have two additional selections in the third round.
Miami, Los Angeles and Seattle received two each. In addition to the Steelers, Arizona, Baltimore, Carolina, Green Bay, Indianapolis, New England, San Francisco and the New York Jets also received a compensatory selection.