Players to focus on
Based on how I foresee the draft playing out, as it currently stands today, with no regard to future free-agent moves, salary cap casualties, trades, etc., I have to think the players they will target at a position of need include OT Austin Jackson (USC), RB Jonathan Taylor (Wisconsin), RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire (LSU), NT Marvin Wilson (Florida State) and OT Lucas Niang (TCU).
Jackson would be the fourth offensive tackle selected in the second round by Colbert while Wilson would be the second defensive tackle. Both players would provide depth and a fountain of youth along the line.
Jackson can fill a huge need while allowing Feiler to sign elsewhere. Depending on how he fares his rookie season, the team can then swing him to left tackle if they opt not to re-sign Villanueva.
Listed at 6-6, 310, Jackson appears to have the height, weight, speed, that Steelers scouts covet. Whether or not he confirms those measurables at the combine, pro day, and private workouts remains to be seen.
Then there’s Wilson. The Florida State product would be a steal in the second round if he falls that far. Listed at 6-5, 311, Wilson would immediately be the team’s stopgap at nose tackle, should Hargrave leave via free agency. He would have to fend off second-year NT Isaiah Buggs but at the very least, he would certainly provide depth while upgrading the position.
Wilson is a two-down stuffer. He won’t create the interior push that Hargrave did so well from the zero technique but Wilson is the next best thing in the draft.
If those players are off the board, then don’t be surprised if the Steelers go running back. Three players, I really like are Taylor, Edwards-Helaire, and RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn.
My scouting report on #LSU RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire:
— Ryan Sakamoto (@BEASTwriter) November 10, 2019
Violent north-south runner, who can double-up as a receiver coming out of flats. Displays great patience, vision, & agility to work via trash at LOS. Balanced physique, makes it hard to bring him down on initial contact.
Taylor fits the mold of a Pittsburgh Steeler. He’s professional both on-and-off the football field, has a team-first mindset, and passion for the game. You don’t have to ask him twice to hit the weight room, review game-film, or stay on top of his diet. This Badger has it all.
With that being said, Taylor will likely be long gone before the Steelers are on the clock unless teams get weird and start reaching for need. A win for Pittsburgh.
#LSU RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire just punched his ticket to the NFL with his breakout performance in a game of this magnitude.
— Ryan Sakamoto (@BEASTwriter) November 10, 2019
20 carries for 103 yards & 3 TD
9 receptions for 77 yards & 1 TD
Total: 29 touches for 180 yards and 4 TDs
He's definitely climbing up my draft board