The Pittsburgh Steelers were given almost universal props for their haul on Draft weekend. Their first-round pick was expected to be taken earlier, their second-round pick was a first-round talent, their fourth-round pick had a second-round grade, their fifth-round pick was seen as someone who could make an immediate impact.
Through almost four weeks of training camp and two preseason games, some mixed results have emerged. It appears as if the draft class will yield immediate dividends during its first season in the form of a starter and a big-play offensive threat who could make an impact. Longterm, three other players have shown signs they can be starters.
That said, there have been some early disappointments. A graded look at the Steelers' draft picks 19 days before the regular season begins.
Top pick: G David DeCastro (first round, No. 24 overall) -- DeCastro's selection in the draft was met with great fanfare. Steelers coaches and executives couldn't contain their giddiness that the Stanford product fell to them so late in the first round. DeCastro has been somewhat of a victim of his own pedigree in that he took some criticism early in camp because he lacked a "wow" factor while using the eye test. But the proof is in the pudding: How often do the Steelers announce a rookie the starter before the second preseason game is even played? Even C Maurkice Pouncey -- a leaguewide standard for rookie excellence along the offensive line over the past decade -- wasn't named the starter until later in camp. Yes, part of that is the result of the lack of a viable alternative, but all indications are DeCastro will be fine. Grade: B
No. 2 pick: OT Mike Adams (second round, No. 56 overall) -- Conventional wisdom was, once the Steelers were satisfied with Adams' offfield issues, he would be a second-round steal for his onfield play. So far, that hasn't materialized. Yes, as with any rookie, it's early. But the timing of Max Starks' injury and the Steelers' issues along the offensive line gave Adams a golden opportunity to seize the starting left tackle job. Adams' obvious struggles during preseason games have led to Starks coming off the PUP list and working to take his LT job back. Adams might develop into the Steelers' left tackle of the future -- and odds are, he'll eventually take over at one of the tackle spots -- but indications are that that time will have to wait. Grade: C
No. 3 pick: LB Sean Spence (third round, No. 86 overall) -- If only the Steelers had envisioned the undersized University of Miami product as an OLB rather than using him on the inside, Spence just might have been on the verge of starting by now. Pittsburgh has had a glut on injuries on the outside but had stayed somewhat healthier inside until it was revealed that ILB Stevenon Sylvester will be out 3 to 4 weeks with a torn MCL. That might open a door for Spence to showcase himself in a more prominent role as camp progresses. There's no doubting Spence's athleticism when you watch him on the practice field, and his football smarts draw rave reviews. Grade: B
No. 4 pick: DT Alameda Ta'amu (fourth round, No. 109 overall) -- Not surprisingly, Ta'amu (6-3, 348) is a physical beast and a joy to watch in one-on-one line blocking drills. As is customary with young defensive linemen in Dick LeBeau's system, it will take time to learn the intricacies. With Casey Hampton and Steve McLendon above him on the depth chart, the Steelers have time to allow Ta'amu to show he's worth the wait. Grade: B-
No. 5 pick: RB Chris Rainey (fifth round, No. 159 overall) -- Because of the position he plays and his "splash play" tendencies, Rainey has drawn more raves than any of the Steelers' rookies. It's almost impossible to envision him as ever being an every-down back because of his size (5-9, 180), but if Rainey can handle the return duties and provide a big-play jolt while getting 10 to 15 touches a game, he'll be well worth the investment. Grade: B
No. 6 pick: WR Toney Clemons (seventh round, No. 231 overall) -- Partially because he went to high school in western Pennsylvania, Clemons receives a disproportionate amount of attention as a spare wide receiver. The Steelers knew he was raw when they took him, and he continues to be raw four weeks into camp. Before anything else, Clemons needs to cure his case of the drops. Grade: C-
No. 7 pick: TE David Paulson (seventh round, No. 240 overall) -- Paulson has shown signs he can be an additional pass-catching threat, and Haley has shown an affinity for multiple-TE sets. He could fit in somehow, but what niche can he carved out among a crowded group of tight ends? Grade: C+
No. 8 pick: CB Terrence Frederick (seventh round, No. 246 overall) -- Frederick has done little to distinguish himself during training camp -- but then again, what's the old adage about if you don't notice a cornerback, maybe it's a good thing? He looks like a practice-squad candidate. For a seventh-round pick, nothing wrong with that. Grade: C
No. 9 pick: OL Kelvin Beachum (seventh round, No. 248 overall) -- Penalty after penalty in preseason games. Scuffles with teammates in practice. Blown assignments. Bowled over by bull-rushes. Beachum has not made the most favorable of impressions. Grade: D
Follow Steelers reporter Chris Adamski on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLPIT and @BuzzsawPGH.
