NFL Draft: What the Pittsburgh Steelers Should Do in the First Round
The Pittsburgh Steelers will work with the 30th pick in the 2017 NFL Draft and have options in the first round.
NFL Draft: Steelers Need to Address Future
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ biggest issue last season was defense. As one of the youngest defensive units in the NFL, they expect problems. It isn’t as though this squad isn’t headed for success, but it’s clear they aren’t ready yet and they need to address the problem in the first round of the NFL Draft.
One thing the Steelers will need to address in this year’s NFL Draft is their edge. With James Harrison pushing 40-years-old and Cam Heyward and Stephen Tuitt on the outside, Pittsburgh’s concern with their first round pick should be a pass rusher, and maybe one that can play inside and out. With Brantley’s size and speed, he could be a valuable option to play the inside then move to outside to help with resting Heyward and Tuitt.
NFL Spinzone’s latest mock draft says the Steelers will take former Florida Gator, Caleb Brantley with the 30th pick in the first round. As a 6’3, 307-pound powerhouse with quickness that allows him to work from the inside or at the three-technique.
Brantley would be a great fit in Pittsburgh. His ability to play multiple positions would help the Steeler’s defensive line issues and provide another level of pass rush. While Bud Dupree would be the main rush from the linebacker position, Brantley would add a defensive line push into the backfield.
During his time in Florida, Brantley accumulated 80 tackles including 20.5 for loss and 5.5 sacks. Even if his pass rushing numbers weren’t as high as some edge rushers in this draft class, Brantley made the most of his handicapped spot at nose tackle with the Gators.
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Chances are, Brantley would play end in Pittsburgh. Even if Javon Hargrave isn’t a definite starter at the nose, having Brantley lined up opposite of Heyward would create a superior defensive line. If the Steelers can find a third option in the middle later in the draft to compete with Hargrave and Daniel McCullers this d-line could quickly return to its dominate form.
Players like Taco Charlton and T.J. Watt would be impeccable additions to this defensive unit, but chances are they aren’t going to be hanging around that late into the draft. If one of them are, presumably Watt, Pittsburgh is going to have a difficult decision on their hands.
Brantley’s size and rare ability could help a struggling defensive line. Watt, however, adds pass rushing ability almost identical to his older brother, J.J. Watt. With some believing T.J. could one day be better than his future Hall of Fame brother, passing him up would be one of the riskiest moves of the draft.
During his two seasons in Wisconsin, Watt accumulated 70 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks. It’s safe to say he’s one of the most impressive young athletes in this draft class. While Brantley adds versatility to a defensive line looking for the missing piece, Watt adds the superstar potential few players reach this early in their career.
His ability to play the edge as a defensive end or an outside linebacker could be exactly what Pittsburgh is looking for. While Harrison comes closer to the end of his career, the Steelers will be looking to add someone who can fill the end position and then drop back to an edge rusher as a backer. With his combined speed and strength along with his 6’4, 252-pound frame makes him a serious threat from either spot.
If he’s sitting there with the 30th pick, there’s no way you pass him up. But chances are he’s gone by then, and Pittsburgh is going to go with Brantley. Not that the Florida product is any sort of downgrade, but with the ceiling Watt has, it’s impossible to miss out on him.
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Either way, Pittsburgh’s first choice is a pass rusher. Whether it’s Watt, Brantley, or another edge rusher, the Steelers are looking one position and one position only with their first pick. From there, they can focus on addressing other holes. With the talent at the edge in this year’s draft, though, you need to jump on a future NFL star to dominate the pass rush.