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5 players Steelers should target in second round

By Ryan Sakamoto

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces a pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces a pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 27: Austin Jackson #73 of the USC Trojans blocks A.J. Epenesa #94 of the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half of the San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium on December 27, 2019, in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 27: Austin Jackson #73 of the USC Trojans blocks A.J. Epenesa #94 of the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half of the San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium on December 27, 2019, in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

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.

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.

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