NFL power rankings: 32-team breakdown after the 2018 NFL Draft

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ARLINGTON, TX – APRIL 26: Terrell Edmunds of Virginia Tech (R) poses with Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier (L) and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (C) after being picked #28 overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

55. . Last Rank: 6. . Pittsburgh Steelers. 7. team

Best Pick: S Terrell Edmunds, Virginia Tech

Losing linebacker Ryan Shazier to his terrible back injury last year cast a huge shadow over the Pittsburgh Steelers’ draft plans, and the lack of serious attention at the position is a primary reason why they drop a spot in our NFL power rankings.

Instead, the Steelers used their first-round selection on Virginia Tech safety Terrell Edmunds, and it wouldn’t be too much a shock to see him in nickel formations down closer to the box. It’s a makeshift approach, but one that might work in Shazier’s absence for the time being.

Pittsburgh also moved wide receiver Martavis Bryant to the Raiders during the draft, which should free up things for second-year pro JuJu Smith-Schuster. So it was a small surprise to see the Steelers use a second-round pick on Oklahoma wide receiver James Washington. He might be a bit more of a long-term investment, although he probably isn’t an immediate need.

Of course, one of the bigger names Pittsburgh brought in was Oklahoma State quarterback Mason Rudolph in Round 3.

Rudolph gets to learn behind future Hall of Famer Ben Roethlisberger, which isn’t a bad situation to be in.

If that development works well, the Steelers’ line of succession should be in place.