With the draft coming up on April 29th, I have created the ideal mock draft for the Pittsburg Steelers.
The Steelers currently currently own 8 draft picks: 24, 55, 87, 128, 141, 216, 245, 254.
Round 1, Pick 24: Alabama RB Najee Harris
This is the best pick the Steelers could make. In the 2020 season, the Steelers’ run game ranked last in the entire league. The lack of a good run game made their offense one-dimensional, which ended up costing them games. During the offseason, the Steelers lost James Conner to free agency, which further weakenend the position. The running back position is the Steelers biggest need in the draft without a doubt. Najee Harris to Pittsburgh really makes sense for both sides. The Steelers will be adding the best RB in the class while Harris will be playing with the Steelers, a team he said he would love to play for.
Round 2, Pick 55: Alabama C Landon Dickerson
With HOF center Maurkice Pouncey retiring this offseason, center has become a need for the Steelers. I believe Landon Dickerson could definitely be the new franchise center in Pittsburgh. Dickerson was stellar in college and is arguably the best center in this draft class. Even despite injury concerns, there is a lot to like about Dickerson. If he is there at 55, the Steelers should definitley make the pick.
Round 3, Pick 87: Pitt EDGE Rashad Weaver
Another need for the Steelers is edge rusher. After losing Bud Dupree to free agency, the Steelers will need another edge rusher to pair with TJ Watt. While they do have Alex Highsmith, he has not shown enough yet with only 2 sacks in 2020. At the very least, this could add some quality depth which is never a bad thing.
Round 4, Pick 128: Central Arkansas CB Robert Rochell
After cutting Steven Nelson to free up cap space, the Steelers lack depth at the cornerback position. Robert Rochell would be a good replacement if he performs as well as he did in college in the NFL.
Round 4, Pick 140: Northern Iowa T Spencer Brown
The Steelers need offensive line depth especially now more than ever as they were unable to re-sign tackle Matt Feiler during the offseason. The offensive line was a big issue for the Steelers in 2020, further adding to their woes in the run game. They’ll need to find good run blockers and they’ll get that by selecting Spencer Brown.
Round 6, Pick 216: Georgia TE Tre’ McKitty
Vance McDonald, the Steelers’ 2nd string tight end, retired this offseason, meaning the Steelers will be searching for TE depth. As of now, they have not signed a TE to back up Eric Ebron. The Steelers and Tre’ McKitty have shown mutal interest, so I could definitely see the pick happening here.
Round 7, Pick 245: BYU G Tristen Hoge
At pick 245, I have the Steelers making another depth addition to the offensive line. Tristen Hoge performed well in college but was underseen by scouts. If the Steelers managed to pick up Hoge this late in the draft it would be an absolute steal! Hoge could potentially get picked late in the 5th round, so if he is avalable in the 7th round, the Steelers should definitely draft him
Round, 7 PICK 254: Notre Dame QB Ian Book
The Steelers don’t need a QB for this year as Ben Roethlisberger will be returning for the 2021 season. Why not use a 7th rounder to make a low risk, high reward pick. Ian Book has shown improvement during his college years. The Steelers could use another depth QB, and if things really pay off, Book could even become Big Ben’s successor.
Photo Credit: Brian Spurlock
