'Really Good Pickup!' Draft Guru Praises Steelers' Watts

If one word describes the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2024 NFL Draft class, “athletic” probably takes the cake. From linemen who thrive on athleticism to the most dynamic linebacker in the class, Pittsburgh’s rookies make the team faster on both sides of the ball.

Rookie receiver Roman Wilson and corner Ryan Watts both posted elite athleticism metrics in their own right, too.

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The latter caught the eye of draft guru Emory Hunt, who joined Ross Tucker on "The College Draft” podcast to talk about one of the newest additions to the Steelers secondary.

“I was a big fan of Ryan Watts,” Hunt said. “I know he played corner … But I thought he was more of a safety, more of a combo safety. He’s a big, physical player. He’s 6-2, 208, and he can match up vs. the bigger wide receivers.”

Watts’ role isn’t yet set in stone, and he figures to compete with undrafted free agent Beanie Bishop Jr. for playing time behind established starters. Jeremy Pike is among the analysts suggesting he could see time in Pittsburgh’s big nickel package.

Watts is at his best matching up against bigger targets, playing well above the rim and using his length to his advantage. That, combined with enough physicality to feel confident against the run, makes him a nifty depth piece.

However, Watts – who moves well for his size – doesn’t have blazing speed, perhaps keeping him inside at the next level.

“It’s the smaller, quicker (receivers) that tend to give him a little bit of conflict,” Hunt said. “Him going in Round 6, I thought was probably because of what he ran in the 40-yard dash. But outside of that, he can match up against those athletic tight ends.

“I thought that was a really good pickup for Pittsburgh.”

Watts represents a dice roll on the upside. Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick is great, and corner Joey Porter Jr. is a rising star, but a third difference-maker on the back end would be invaluable.

Putting those expectations on Watts, a sixth-round pick, is lofty at best and recklessly overzealous at worst. But with his blend of size and athleticism, the Steelers have opened the door for strong physical tools to be weaponized against opposing offenses. His development throughout camp and into his rookie season will be something to monitor.