The Pittsburgh Steelers aren’t expected to announce the jersey numbers of this year’s draft class for a few more days but judging by a Thursday afternoon Instagram picture post by tackle Chukwuma Okorafor, the team’s second of two third-round draft picks this year, he will wear No. 76 for the upcoming rookie minicamp. additionally, the teams first of two third-round selections, quarterback Mason Rudolph, revealed that he’ll wear No. 2.
Okorafor, who played his college football at Western Michigan, wore No. 77 in college. As for Rudolph, he wore No. 2 at Oklahoma State for several seasons after initially wearing No. 10.
Last year during the preseason tackle Keavon Milton wore No. 76 for the Steelers and he was ultimately waived prior to the start of the regular season. According to the team’s 2017 media guide, former Steelers tackle Mike Adams was the last player to wear No. 76 during the regular season from 2012 to 2015. Prior to Adams, former Steelers defensive tackle Chris Hoke wore No. 76 from 2001 to 2011.
Okorafor and Rudoplh, who as of Thursday afternoon is now two of four Steelers draft picks yet to sign their rookie contracts, are both scheduled to participate in the team’s annual rookie minicamp this coming weekend. The team is hoping that Okorafor can make the 53-man roster in 2018 as a versatile backup tackle that can play on both the right and left sides of the offensive line.
According to pictures on steelers.com, defensive tackle Joshua Frazier will wear No. 69, running back Jaylen Samuels will wear No. 38, while safety Marcus Allen will wear No. 27.
