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Pittsburgh Steelers: Situational three-round mock draft

By Noah Strackbein

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Shaquem Griffin #18 of the UCF Knights celebrates after sacking Jarrett Stidham #8 of the Auburn Tigers (not pictured) in the second half during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Shaquem Griffin #18 of the UCF Knights celebrates after sacking Jarrett Stidham #8 of the Auburn Tigers (not pictured) in the second half during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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First-Round

Options: 

  • Rashaan Evans
  • Leighton Vander Esch
  • Justin Reid 
  • Mason Rudolph 
  • Derrius Guice
  • Ronnie Harrison

The first-round of the 2018 NFL Draft is as wide open as any in recent years. From the first to last pick, no one is certain where anyone is going to end up. This means the 28th pick is as much of a guessing game as any other, and the Steelers will be waiting to see their options at the end of the first.

Inside linebackers, quarterback and running back seem to be the top three positions of consideration for Pittsburgh. Justin Reid at safety could be the pick, but from the sounds of it, he isn’t going to be available and Pittsburgh doesn’t have him above others who will be.

The most significant factor here will be the New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints. Both would love to add an inside linebacker like Rashaan Evans and Leighton Vander Esch. The Dallas Cowboys also appear to be very interested in Vander Esch, meaning he could be gone at No. 19.

If that’s the case, the Steelers only inside linebacker option could turn out to Malik Jefferson out of Texas. While they did do their do-diligence on him, he isn’t as promising as Evans and Vander Esch. Therefore, Pittsburgh likely won’t pick him.

Without an inside linebacker in the mix, Pittsburgh’s next option will be “best available.” This could mean a future quarterback or a possible running back replacement for Le’Veon Bell.

From the sounds of it, Derrius Guice has more attention from the Steelers than Mason Rudolph. So, with the 28th pick, Pittsburgh ends up with Guice and a new running back if they decide to move on from Bell.

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