Steelers Mock Draft: Pittsburgh takes unusual route with new compensatory pick
By Tommy Jaggi
Pittsburgh is now one pick richer after compensatory selections have been assigned to teams. Here’s what I have them doing in my latest seven-round Steelers mock draft.
The Steelers may be without their first and initial third-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, but they heard some good news this week: Pittsburgh was awarded a third-round compensatory selection (pick 102 overall) in this year’s draft.
There are a lot of factors that play into the compensatory formula, but the biggest reason they received a third-round pick was due to Le’Veon Bell signing a big extension with the New York Jets. Pittsburgh has a number of different directions they could go this year, and my pick for them with their new third-rounder may surprise you. Here is my updated Steelers mock draft after compensatory picks have been assigned:
2nd round (pick 49): Cam Akers
Running back, Florida State
Even with three running backs currently under rookie contracts, it’s no secret that the Steelers are in the market for an upgrade at running back. Pittsburgh’s rushing attack was among the worst in the league in 2019, and James Conner will become a free agent after this season.
The Steelers met with two running backs at the Combine – Cam Akers and Zach Moss. Though it seems a bit rich in the second round, I have the Steelers going with Akers. The Florida State product wasn’t the most efficient runner in college, but he checks every box Pittsburgh typically looks for when drafting high.
Akers would slide right in as a primary backup to Conner to begin with and carve out a sizable role. The 20-year old running back would assume full-time duties in 2021.