Mel Kiper Jr. says the Pittsburgh Steelers could draft Lamar Jackson, and they could

The Pittsburgh Steelers have become a contender for former Heisman winner, Lamar Jackson.

Lamar Jackson is looked upon as a late first round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, and according to ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. he could very well be on the Steelers radar. With Ben Roethlisberger merging closer to his final days in the league, Pittsburgh needs to begin thinking of the future and the 2018 draft is a perfect place to start.

Of course, this team has other needs they should tend to before jumping on a quarterback. Inside linebacker and safety are two top priorities right now, but how they handle each position could change their draft plans.

At No. 28, Pittsburgh could easily find the next Ryan Shazier at inside linebacker. However, with names like Tod Davis and Avery Williamson in free agency, the Steelers could very well look into fixing their linebacker issue with a veteran.

At safety, unless someone like Minkah Fitzpatrick falls to No. 28, which is unlikely the closer we move to the draft, there isn’t really a late first rounder worthy of the pick. In the second and third round, the Steelers could easily find talent worth of competing for the starting job, and if they feel good enough about waiting, they will.

Which leaves No. 28 wide open for Lamar Jackson. The strong-armed athletic quarterback is a game-changer on any play. The next Michael Vick to some, Jackson can do it all and would thrive with the talent Pittsburgh’s offense possesses.

Two or three years behind Roethlisberger and Jackson steps in developed, educated and ready to win. Without missing a beat, it’d be no surprise if he filled the shoes and more when given his opportunity in the Steel City.

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All this comes down to draft needs, but it’s easy to see where Kiper is coming from with the guess. If Pittsburgh sees potential in Jackson and can find a way to fill defensive needs outside the draft, it wouldn’t be odd to see them draft their next starter at No. 28.