Steelers 7-round mock draft: Pittsburgh targets offense early
By Tommy Jaggi
The Steelers are seeking help in a closing Super Bowl window. Here’s why I have Pittsburgh targeting offense early in the 2020 NFL Draft.
We haven’t even reached the free agency period yet, but fans are anxious to see which direction their team may go in the 2020 NFL Draft. The Steelers are short-handed on draft picks this year after last year’s trades that helped them land Devin Bush and Minkah Fitzpatrick.
After bolstering their defense with a few blue-chip players, I have Pittsburgh turning their attention towards offense early in the draft this April. Based on their needs and drafting trends, here is my updated 2020 Steelers mock draft:
2nd Round: Hunter Bryant
Tight end, Washington
The Steelers could use help at tight end in a big way. Both Vance McDonald and Nick Vannett were non-factors for Pittsburgh last season, and Zach Gentry couldn’t find the field. Though tight end is a position that usually takes a while to develop, a receiving threat like Hunter Bryant could help them from day one. Bryant may be undersized, but he is an underclassman who displayed excellent skills as a pass-catcher last season. The Steelers could line him up all over the formation and give Ben Roethlisberger another target in the passing game.
3rd Round (comp): Van Jefferson
Wide receiver, Florida
Is it unreasonable to think that the Steelers might go tight end and receiver in back-to-back picks? It shouldn’t be. Not only is there a need at both positions, but with an aging Big Ben, Pittsburgh’s Super Bowl window is closing fast. As a result, the Steelers will look to add a few players who could bolster this lackluster offense in a hurry. Van Jefferson doesn’t necessarily have any spectacular traits, but he is a versatile football player who can play all three receiver positions – making him an excellent number four option in Pittsburgh’s passing game. The redshirt senior is a quality route-runner and could help an offense from the gate.