SCU Awards: Steelers Rookie of the Year

by Eric Herrmann (SteelersGrind) on February 7, 2017

Steel City Underground presents the 1st annual SCU Awards. Our panel of contributors all voted on various awards for the Steelers with the player getting the most votes being the winner. Each article will have the list of nominees with one of our contributors stating their case for why that player earned their vote and deserves the award. Comment and let us know if you agree or disagree with our winners and nominees.

Over the past few seasons the Steelers Rookie of the Year award has been a pretty easy decision… not this year. The Steelers 2016 draft class had an exceptional year. Cases could be made for either of the top 3 draft picks to win this award for all 3 were essential to the defense during the team’s winning streak.

This wasn’t an easy decision and the winner came down to a single vote.

Sean Davis

Sean Davis just barely edges out my man Artie Burns for my rookie of the year vote. When it came down to it, Davis upgrades the defense in such an intense manner that he is now viewed as not only one of the best rookies, but one of the best defensive players in general. His goal line tackle in Indy was picture perfect and his constant fills in the run game have solidified his spot in my mind as our best rookie. The fact that the Steelers were undefeated with him in the lineup (besides the AFC Championship) is remarkable. That’s no coincidence. I’m a huge Mike Mitchell fan, but I’m with Jim Racalto on this one… Sean Davis is our best safety.

– Zac Celedonia

Artie Burns

I gave this one to Burns because he got thrown into the mix as a starter as a rookie at a cornerback position that has come under harsh scrutiny in Pittsburgh. At only 21 years old, Burns had 65 tackles, 13 passes defended, and 3 interceptions when he only started about half of a season. Although he got beat several times (what CB doesn’t), when you watch him play the upside is apparent. Fast, long, athletic, chippy – he has all the makings of becoming an above average player, if not a lockdown CB1. The fact that he’s so young is also favorable. By the time he’s 24, I predict he’ll be in the top 5 conversation for his position.

– Jim Racalto

Winner: Sean Davis (5 votes)

Runner up: Artie Burns (4 votes)

Davis finished the season with a team fourth-best 54 solo tackles, while adding 1.5 sacks, 4 tackles for loss, 4 QB hits, 5 passes defended, and two turnovers (an interception and a fumble recovery).

He is attributed to the Steelers nine game winning streak to end the season, after being installed as the starting safety during the first win of Pittsburgh’s run.