Four likely first-round picks for the Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers have the No. 28 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, and as we get closer, we have a good idea about who will be on that menu of options.

Derrius Guice, RB, Lousiana State

Derrius Guice is probably the second best back in this draft in a draft that is complete top to bottom with running backs. If you are looking to draft a running back, this is the year to do it.

The Steelers will have until the July deadline to sign Le’Veon Bell, but with him asking for $17million a year, it begs the question about whether they should just draft a running back and cut ties after this year.

Guice is a speedy back who is elusive and can catch out of the backfield. This might be the future of the Steelers backfield.

Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State

The Steelers should at least be doing their due diligence on quarterbacks in every draft as Ben Roethlisberger’s days in Pittsburgh are numbered. In the next three years, it might be smart for the Steelers to have a quarterback drafted.

The reason I said three years is that is how much longer Roethlisberger said he was going to play. Every great franchise can replace their quarterback every generation with a new quarterback for every era. Therefore, it is important that the Steelers pick the right guy.

The Steelers have shown interest in Mason Rudolph as he is a smart quarterback; however, there are some questions about the strength and accuracy of his throwing arm.

Leighton Vander Esch

This is a pick that has long been mocked to the Steelers. The Steelers will likely want to get a long-term successor to the role Ryan Shazier played. Leighton Vander Esch tore up the combine and has the upside to be around the productivity of Ryan Shazier.

The Steelers also need to improve their defense. I think the problem with Vander Esch is that he may not be there anymore when the Steelers pick. However, if he is on the board at 28, you have to think the Steelers will think about drafting him.

Rashaan Evans

We have talked about the need to draft a mack linebacker and with Vander Esch being potentially taken, it is possible that Rashaan Evans is the guy. He will probably be able to step in right away in Pittsburgh and he comes from a winning tradition at Alabama.

Next: Kring Steelers Mock Draft 2.0

He doesn’t have a lot of tread on his tires and he is an instinctual linebacker with the speed to cover. The Steelers Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin were present for Alabama’s pro day.