Try for a moment to think back to before the 2016 NFL Draft.

What exactly was the fan base calling for?

Most, if not all fans, wanted the Pittsburgh Steelers to focus on defense early and often. Some even went as far to specify positions! Whether it was on social media, conversation at the workplace, or even on the radio, “cornerback, safety, and defensive line!” is what Steeler Nation demanded.

And for once, the Steelers front office appeared to listen to the fan base, selecting a cornerback, safety, and a defensive lineman with their first three picks.

Pittsburgh had 7 picks total, but the first three always get the most attention: in this case, that attention has been rightfully earned.

Eleven games into the regular season seems like a fine time for some rookie report cards! Some of the Steelers 2016 class has exceeded expectations, while others have yet to play a meaningful snap. That wide range in productivity (or lack there of) is common in a team’s draft class.

Round 1, pick #25: Artie Burns, CB — B+

First, I want to say that I was one of the lone people that I knew (personally) who was excited about this pick.

I understood the concerns with choosing a “raw” player, but Pittsburgh picked the best cornerback available in my opinion. Pittsburgh wanted more turnovers this season, and they targeted the Miami prospect after his 6 interception season. (The most at Miami University since the late Sean Taylor.)

Expectations for Burns were all over the spectrum heading into the regular season. Most thought he would need about a full season to sit and learn, before being thrust into action. Others thought the Steelers current cornerbacks were already bad enough, and they wanted Artie out there immediately.

I thought Burns would be worked in over time, and eventually take over the number one role, as a rookie. However, I will admit that I did not anticipate him getting the starting nod so soon. I had predicted by week 10 or 11 Burns would be starting, and he actually became a “starter” by week 6.

The first rounder has had his mistakes, in the forms of penalties and missed tackles, but he has also made great strides.

Yes, Dez Bryant had a day on him… but Artie is a rookie! Mistakes are going to happen whether fans chose to acknowledge it or not. The important thing is how Burns has bounced back. His best games have come since that match-up with the Cowboys receiver.

Burns’ “B+” grading comes from all of the improvements he has made.

His tackling was a very real concern for a lot of fans coming out of Miami, and he has looked a lot more physical as of late. He is wrapping up his targets, and bringing them to the ground by himself.

In Baltimore, he had a very “William Gay” like play, running up to the flat and colliding with their running back as he caught the ball, forcing an incompletion.

This past week in Indianapolis, he brought the larger Donte Moncrief to the ground immediately (with ease) after he caught a crossing pattern.

Those are just two examples.

His tackling has vastly improved already since week 1.

Burns was the first member of the Pittsburgh secondary to record an interception in 2016. He now leads the team with 2. If Burns can record one more, he will have the Steelers franchise record for rookie defensive backs. He would also tie Ike Taylor‘s career season high (3).

I’m not saying Artie is an All-Pro yet, but his “B+” has been earned with his progression, and the plays he has already made.

Round 2, pick #58: Sean Davis FS — C+

I was not that familiar with Sean Davis when Lynn Swann read his name off the selection card, but it’s hard to not know who he is now. The large safety is the only Pittsburgh defender to play 100% of the snaps these past two weeks.

That includes Stephon Tuitt and Mike Mitchell: guys who normally do not come off the field much. Some of that was minor injury-related but still, 100% of the snaps!

Davis gets a solid grade just for being able to be out there that much and not make many mistakes.

Speaking of mistakes, a big one came earlier in the season against Dallas. A game in which he and Artie Burns both had trouble stopping Dez Bryant. The rookie was flagged late in the game for a facemask penalty that helped the Cowboys eventually win. Personally, I don’t think Davis lost us the game on his own, but I digress.

The Dallas game has a lot to do with Davis receiving a “C+” and not a “B” from me.

Davis, like Burns, has made impressive strides and looks to be the starting safety opposite Mike Mitchell for years to come. Last week versus the Colts, Davis made a beautiful play; Indy quarterback Scott Tolzien took off for the goal line and Sean Davis completely stopped him in his tracks, short of scoring. The Steelers eventually took over on downs.

Look for #28 to make plenty more of those physical plays.

Round 3, pick #89: Javon Hargrave DT — A

We got our cornerback… we got our safety…

Call him “J-Wobble,” call him “Gravedigger,” call him whatever! Pittsburgh found themselves an absolute gem in the 3rd round; and a life-long Steelers fan nonetheless!

After the preseason, Javon was an immediate starter on defense at nose tackle. Granted it was a slow start, but Hargrave has been a disruptive force as of late. With 2 sacks already recorded on the season, expect more to come.

The loss of defensive captain, Cam Heyward, cannot be stressed enough, but Hargrave has seemingly gotten better since his absence! He has “embraced the challenge” as head coach Mike Tomlin would say.

Not only are the sacks impressive, but J-Wobble is starting to beat double teams as well, which is a great sign. Being able to consistently beat double teams is the difference between good defensive linemen and elite defensive linemen.

I was happy with the pick from the start, and I’m even more happy now.

Round 4, pick#123: Jerald Hawkins OT — Incomplete

Hawkins certainly looks the part of an NFL tackle, standing at 6’6, 310 lbs. The LSU alumni was having a decent showing in the preseason before hurting his shoulder, and ultimately landing on Injured Reserve.

The pick was not flashy or popular, but I understood it. You can never have enough offensive linemen. Thankfully, Pittsburgh didn’t need Hawkins this year due to the surprise play of Chris Hubbard… but we all see how fast an O-Line can need a substitute, with Marcus Gilbert and Ryan Harris getting hurt in the same week!

Pittsburgh likes their offensive linemen to be battle tested. Usually, Pittsburgh only selects offensive linemen from very large, competitive, and successful schools.

• Maurkice Pouncey and Marcus Gilbert both attended Florida University (SEC).
• Ramon Foster attended The University of Tennessee (SEC).
• David Decastro attended Stanford (PAC12).
• Jerald Hawkins attended Louisiana State University (SEC).

Hawkins fits the mold of what Pittsburgh usually goes for and I think he will work out eventually.

Round 6, pick#220: Travis Feeney OLB — Incomplete

The Travis Feeney pick made sense: the Steelers need more pass rushers.

Bud Dupree looks to have a bright future, but Jarvis Jones is all but done here.

Anthony Chickillo has shown improvement, but Arthur Moats could be a cap casualty after the season.

James Harrison is the all-time sack leader in Steelers history, but a 2017 return would be rather surprising.

That leaves you with Bud and Chick. (Potentially.)

So, the Feeney pick made sense. Unfortunately, an injury-plagued preseason found the rookie waived. He was, however, brought back to the practice squad, where he remains today.

The jury is still out on the rather slender Travis Feeney. Hopefully after a full season with the team, and a couple protein bars, Feeney can contribute next season.

Round 7, pick# 229: DeMarcus Ayers WR — Incomplete

The electrifying slot receiver prospect was supposed to make a push at the starting punt returner role for 2016. After an ankle injury of sorts, Ayers too found himself on the Steelers practice squad.

There was a little bit of a rumble about his participation in practice earlier this week, where DeMarcus is quoted, thinking he could get called up to the active roster.

He practiced with 1st team Monday, which is a rare fun day for coaches to experiment. You read what he said. Now we watch.

— James C Wexell (@jimwexell) November 30, 2016

A lot of Ayers getting called up to the active roster depends on the health of Darrius Heyward-Bey and Sammie Coates; I don’t see Ayers getting called up this season unless there’s a major injury, however.

Look for him to make an impact next preseason, unless a plethora of injuries take place at the wide receiver position for Pittsburgh.

Round 7, pick#246: Tyler Matakevich ILB — B

Dirty Red! You better believe I’m giving Dirty Red a “B”, I almost gave him an A.

The Bronko Nagurski Award winner has far exceeded my expectations. He did that by simply making the final roster.

The long-shot has been one of the Steelers best special team tacklers, and has accumulated 15 total. He has even logged some snaps on defense. (Injury related, but still crazy for a 7th round pick.)

Tyler Matakevich plays like his hair is on fire: it’s hard not to admire that.