It’s a new dawn in Pittsburgh, where the killer B’s have reduced to just one. It is a time where the future is uncertain, yet hopeful. With the 2019 NFL Draft quickly approaching, a new set of Steelers will be emerging from the NCAA ranks in just one week. Join us as we analyze every 7th round pick in the Tomlin era – 7 days before the draft. Here we will be ranking the draftees by impact they made on the team. Let’s get started:

**Disclaimer** Most 7th round draft picks have made little to no impact on the team since the beginning of the Tomlin era, so we are ranking players that cracked the 53 man roster, or had major college accomplishment before joining the team.



Little to no impact on the team:

(2018 – Joshua Frazier: DT Alabama)

(2014 – Rob Blanchflower: TE U Mass)

(2013 – Nick Williams: DE Samford)

(2012 – Toney Clemons: WR Colorado)

(2012 – Terrance Frederick: DB Texas A&M)

(2011 – Baron Batch: RB Texas Tech)

(2010 – Doug Worthington: DT Ohio State)

(2007 – Dallas Baker: WR University of Florida)



Dishonorable Mention – Gerod Holliman, FS Louisville – 2015 NFL Draft



At the bottom of this list is Gerod Holliman. “Gerod who?” Gerod Holliman, the Pittsburgh Steelers 7th round selection from the 2015 NFL Draft. Holliman came to the team as the reigning recipient of the Jim Thorpe Award, an honor he received after intercepting the ball 14 times during the Cardinals 2014 season. He was highly regarded as a top ball hawk in the draft coming out of college with some mocks having him selected as early as the 3rd round. He makes our list because of how high his potential was, and how quickly he fell from our hearts. After Mike Tomlin drafted this man there was much optimism that he could reach his potential at the pro level, however he didn’t make it out of the preseason. Why? Because he is the worst tackler since Jason Street. At least Street made the stop… too soon?

6.) Keion Adams, OLB Western Michigan – 2017 NFL Draft



Our first ranked player is our 7th rounder from the 2017 NFL Draft. Adams ranks at the bottom of our ranked players because he has not made an impact on our team in any meaningful way. However he was still ranked because he is still on the roster and has potential to play in the 2019 season.



5.) David Paulson, TE Oregon – 2012 NFL Draft



The 5th best choice in the final round by Mike Tomlin is David Paulson, a 2012 draftee tight end from Oregon. Paulson spent his only two years in the NFL buried on the depth chart behind the great Heath Miller and Matt Spaeth. He did however make the list because he took meaningful snaps in real game action for two seasons. He finished his Steelers & NFL career with 13 receptions for 153 yards.



4.) Demarcus Ayers, WR Houston – 2016 NFL Draft



Coming in at 4th on our list is Demarcus Ayers. Demarcus Ayers entered the league after a successful junior season at Houston where he totaled 1,222 receiving yards and achieving first American team status at both wide receiver and kick returner. After spending the beginning of the season on the practice squad, Ayers was promoted to the active roster in week 14 of the 2016 season and ended his career in the black and yellow with 6 receptions, for 53 yards and a touchdown.



3.) David Johnson, TE/FB Arkansas State – 2009 NFL Draft



The 3rd best selection in the final round during the Tomlin era is David Johnson. David Johnson achieved All-Sun Belt Conference honors twice in his college career, helping to land him in Pittsburgh. He became a supplemental contributor as a pass blocker for Big Ben and co. After two separate stints with Pittsburgh, he finished his NFL career with 31 receptions for 304 yards and a touchdown.



2.) Tyler Matakevich, MLB Temple – 2016 NFL Draft



Matakevich slides into the number 2 spot on our rankings. Coming off of a AAC Defensive Player of the Year campaign, he was drafted in 2016 and became an immediate contributor on special teams, where he remains a crucial piece. He has also played in place of Ryan Shazier at the ILB spot. Dirty Red has registered 59 combined tackles, and a memorable punt block vs. the Browns during his time so far in PIttsburgh.



1.) Kelvin Beachum, OT Southern Methodist – 2012 NFL Draft



Taking our top spot in the 7th round rankings is Kelvin Beachum. Beachum made an immediate impact in his rookie season, starting 5 games at right tackle. After passing up Mike Adams during his sophomore season he started 12 games, and remained the starter for the rest of his tenure with the Steelers. In 2014 finished third in pass blocking efficiency behind only Andrew Whitworth and Joe Thomas… That’s pretty good company. Though the Steelers offered him an extension he declined and has gone on to play for the Jaguars and the Jets earning contracts worth over 30 million dollars.



Do you agree with our list? Let us know in the comments below if you would’ve ranked differently and stay tuned for our 6 days to the draft – 6th round edition, coming tomorrow.