With The First Pick
Fansided

5 best team/prospect fits of 2020 NFL Draft; Chiefs, 49ers lead the way

By Nicholas McGee

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 13: Clyde Edwards-Helaire #22 of the LSU Tigers runs with the ball during the fourth quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Clemson Tigers at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The LSU Tigers topped the Clemson Tigers, 42-25. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 13: Clyde Edwards-Helaire #22 of the LSU Tigers runs with the ball during the fourth quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Clemson Tigers at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The LSU Tigers topped the Clemson Tigers, 42-25. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 23: Alex Highsmith #5 of the Charlotte 49ers during the first half during their game against the Marshall Thundering Herd at Jerry Richardson Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 23: Alex Highsmith #5 of the Charlotte 49ers during the first half during their game against the Marshall Thundering Herd at Jerry Richardson Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

Alex Highsmith – Pittsburgh Steelers

Concerns over his play strength may have been behind Alex Highsmith not being selected before the third round, but he is an ascending player who needed to land with a team that could give him the time to develop.

That is exactly what happened for the former Charlotte 49er, as he was scooped up by the Steelers on day two.

He joins a Steelers edge-rushing group that is led by T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree, who in 2019 combined for 26 sacks.

They may not be able to produce to that extent in 2020 but their presence will ensure Highsmith does not have to step into a significant role as a rookie. Highsmith can begin his career as a rotational pass rusher and the rise he enjoyed in college suggests he should thrive early by playing primarily on third down.

His production in 2019 for the 49ers – 21.5 tackles for loss and 15 sacks – was mind-blowing and Highsmith unquestionably has the athleticism to take advantage of being single-blocked playing on a defense where Watt, Dupree, Stephon Tuitt and Cameron Heyward will likely attract plenty of attention.

The Steelers have done a superb job of drafting for their front seven over the years and Highsmith has an excellent shot to be another hit for Pittsburgh.

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