If confidence were a draft strategy, the Steelers would have aced it. JJ Pegues at No. 123 is 62 spots clear of where he belonged. Too much went sideways, and the D- is the honest tally.

They lost the exchange badly enough to drag the whole class down. They have staked the next five years on Cam Ward, which is the only story that really matters here. The safety spot stays a question, and it was the one they most needed an answer at.

Spend now, pay later; the math only works if this class delivers. The Bech steal is the beam this whole class leans on.

In short, the board sent warnings, and they will be hoping it was wrong.