Pittsburgh Steelers Playoff Mock Draft

Round 4: WR Taywan Taylor, Western Kentucky

With most of the EDGE depth off the board, I decided to go with a luxury selection in Taywan Taylor. Eli Rogers has locked down the slot WR position for 2017, but the Steelers could use a WR2 to place next to Antonio Brown. With the status of Martavis Bryant uncertain and Sammie Coates proving unreliable, Taywan Taylor could immediately step in as a starter. The Steelers have a history of drafting WR gems later in the draft, and Taywan Taylor would certainly fit this mold.

Taylor creates separation with ease in his sudden, sharp route-running. He excellently manipulates defensive backs with the nuances of his head/shoulder fakes and explodes at the top of his routes to break free. He excels both vertically down the field on go-routes and deep crossers while also proving dangerous after the catch on underneath drag routes. Most importantly, Taylor is a physical, strong handed wideout who could prove great value for Pittsburgh at this stage in the draft.

Round 5: CB Ahkello Witherspoon, Colorado

Upside, upside, upside.

Ahkello Witherspoon has the frame to make NFL scouts drool at 6’3” 190 lbs. However, Witherspoon still needs to work on his physicality, especially in press-man coverage, to use his length and size to his advantage.

Witherspoon is a quick, fluid corner who is extremely aggressive at the point of attack. He has the length to dominate wideouts at the catch point and break up passes.

Round 6: TE George Kittle, Iowa and DL Dalvin Tomlinson, Alabama

HEAAAAATH.

I know all of Steeler Nation dearly misses seeing Heath Miller in a Steelers jersey on Sundays. His ability to contribute both as a pass catcher and run blocker served as an asset for Pittsburgh. In 2016, his run blocking abilities have been greatly missed at the tight end position. So why not grab the best run blocking TE in the draft to help out. Kittle will certainly carve out a role in running situations and on special teams.

With the second pick in the 6th, I nabbed the overshadowed Bama’ defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson. With a heap of early-rounders playing alongside him, Tomlinson tends to be forgotten.

However, Tomlinson was made to play on Sundays, with great power and leverage to hold ground against the run and push the pocket. Tomlinson could fit in an odd or even front, and could easily find a spot on the Steeler’s roster.

I think Tomlinson is sneaky good, and I currently have a late 2nd round grade on him. NFL talent evaluators seem to have yet to catch up on this kid’s talent. Tomlinson could be an absolute steal at this stage in the draft.

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Round 7: LB Ben Boulware, Clemson

Similar to last year’s selection of Tyler Matakevich, I could see Pittsburgh grabbing a veteran LB with a high floor near the end of the draft.

Boulware plays the game of football with a fiery passion. His style of play can’t help but get teammates, coaches, and watching fans fired up. Despite some concerns regarding athleticism, size, and upside, he’s a guy I’d love to see in Pittsburgh.

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