Steelers focus on offense in latest full mock draft

The Steelers have some work to do this offseason. Here’s why Pittsburgh targets offense in my first seven-round mock draft of 2020.

Without a lot of cap space to work with this offseason, it’s unlikely the Steelers will be able to fill any big needs through free agency. Pittsburgh will look to clear cap space for a potential franchise tag for Bud Dupree, while Javon Hargrave may have already played his last game in the Steel City.

For Pittsburgh, there are several needs to go around and not enough draft selections this year to address them all. Many things are going to change between now and April, but here is my way-too-early seven-round mock draft for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

NOTE: The Steelers are projected to receive a third-round compensatory pick for the loss of Le’Veon Bell last season, but I did not include this pick in my mock:

Round 2: Thaddeus Moss

Tight end, LSU

Thaddeus Moss fits the bill of everything the Steelers typically look for early in the draft. He is an underclassmen who declared early, and he’s from a big school. Moss is a solid athlete and his family bloodlines (Randy Moss’s son) doesn’t hurt either.

At 6’3”, the LSU tight end is a bit shorter than Pittsburgh is used to at the position, but he had a productive Junior season that consisted of 570 yards and 4 touchdowns. Nick Vannett is set to hit free agency, and the Steelers could be razor-thin at the position. Moss is a capable in-line blocker who can help in both the run game and the pass game. This pick would make sense.

Round 4: Tyler Johnson

Wide receiver, Minnesota

The Steelers are one of the best teams in the business at drafting wide receivers, and with a loaded draft class in 2020, this year would be no exception. Tyler Johnson was an insanely productive four-year player at Minnesota who was snubbed of a Senior Bowl invite this year.

Pittsburgh tends to seek out productive, small school players at the wide receiver position on day three of the draft. Johnson could be their guy.

Round 4: Ben Bredeson

Offensive guard, Michigan

With their second pick in the fourth round, I have the Steelers addressing the offensive line with Ben Bredeson. Bredeson shows impressive movement skills in pass block sets on film, but he was a bit underwhelming during Senior Bowl practices and was often beaten in one-on-ones.

Bredeson may not be a future starter for Pittsburgh, but depth is desperately needed. Ramon Foster is 34 years old and B.J. Finney is an unrestricted free agent this offseason. I would be surprised if the Steelers don’t draft an interior offensive lineman in 2020.

Round 6: Carlos Davis

Defensive tackle, Nebraska

With Javon Hargrave’s future in Pittsburgh uncertain at best, the Steelers could look to add a defensive lineman in the 2020 NFL Draft. Carlos Davis fits the bill of what they could be looking for. At 6’2” and 320 pounds, Davis is stout enough to help against the run, yet mobile enough to flow to the ball. He would compete for one of the final spots on the defensive line.

It’s incredibly hard to predict which positions Pittsburgh will covet this April, and we will have a much clearer picture of their needs after free agency. As of now, it’s not hard to envision the Steelers looking to the offensive side of the ball for help early in the 2020 NFL Draft.