Steelers Draft Grade: Travis Feeney

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Washington outside linebacker Travis Feeney in the sixth round of the NFL Draft.

The Steelers went offensive with their first pick on Day 3 when they drafted LSU tackle Jerald Hawkins.  Without a pick in the fifth round, the team waited until the end of the sixth round to make their next selection.  They both again went on the defensive side of the ball, selecting  Washington outside linebacker Travis Keeney.

Like Artie Burns, Sean Davis and Javon Hargrave, Keeney is a project of a player.  He began his career at Washington as a safety before transitioning to outside linebacker.  Keeney did not put up ideal production in his career due to the Huskie defense being loaded with talent.  In his 4 years, he totaled 248 tackles, 33.5 tackles for loss, 15.5 sacks and 4 interceptions.

Keeney has put on a lot of weight since moving to outside linebacker and his still shaping his 230 lb. frame.  He will need a lot of work in the Steelers weight room, hopefully James Harrison can get him on his lifting program.

"Just in case you needed a James Harrison update, here it is"

In 2015, Keeney was named a team captain for the Huskies.  This kid will do anything the team acts him.  Keeney was a special team’s demon for the Huskies in each of his four seasons.  Don’t be surprised if he makes the 53 man roster out of training camp due in part to his ability as a special team’s player.

Draft Grade: C+

This is a low risk, high upside pick late in the draft for the Steelers.  Keeney will need a lot of time to groom and development, but his quickness and ability to play in space will get him on special teams.  He will learn a lot from veterans Harrison and Arthur Moats, hopefully one of them will take him under their wing.

Next: Steelers Draft Grade: Javon Hargrave

The former Huskie was a lot of upside, hopefully the Steelers hit on this pick.