2015 Steelers NFL Mock Draft: 7 Rounds v16.0

Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

Some of you might be surprised at how high I am pegging the Steelers to draft an offensive tackle, but consider the following:

• Mike Adams is the team’s top backup.

• Kelvin Beachum and Adams will be unrestricted free agents next spring.

• Beachum’s versatility could make him a viable candidate for a move to left guard if Ramon Foster isn’t retained.

With the offensive tackle position currently unsettled beyond the 2015 regular season, it would not shock me at all to see Pittsburgh select an offensive tackle on the second day of April’s draft. Jake Fisher of Oregon is one tackle who should be in play and could interest the franchise as an option in the second round.

Fisher has a great frame (6’6” 306 lbs.), long arms (33.75”) and good foot-speed and agility to become a solid left tackle at the professional level. On tape, the former Duck illustrated that he has the athletic ability to be a dangerous blocker in a zone-based ground attack, and his penchant for playing in space and at the second level are huge pluses. Armed with a nasty attitude and active hands, there is plenty to like about Fisher’s NFL future after what he did at Oregon (50 games and 35 starts).

At times, Fisher showed some issues when it came to anchoring at the point of attack and it would help if he added more weight and strength during the early stages of his NFL career. In addition, it would not hurt if Fisher maintained a more consistent pad level in pass protection. Furthermore, it would be nice to see Fisher get more effectiveness and jolt from his large hands and punch when he makes initial contact with opposing edge rushers.

Like T.J. Clemmings and Andrus Peat, a year on the sidelines or as the team’s “swing tackle” would do wonders for a player like Fisher. He could work on the technical aspects of his game, gain strength and work with one of the best positional coaches in the game in the form of Mike Munchak. In turn, Fisher would hopefully be ready to assume the full-time left tackle role in 2015 while the Steelers would have an entire offseason to make decisions on Beachum, Adams and Foster.

Next: Round 3