Steelers Mock Draft: Pittsburgh lands a dynamic receiver in the second round
By Tommy Jaggi
Pittsburgh needs to find Ben Roethlisberger some help on offense. Here’s who I have them going with at pick 49 in my latest Steelers mock draft.
Ben Roethlisberger is set to return from a serious elbow injury that cut his 2019 season short after just a game-and-a-half of play. While Pittsburgh could look for an insurance policy for Bud Dupree or a defensive tackle to replace Javon Hargrave, I have them setting their sights on offense in my latest Steelers mock draft.
With the 49th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, I have the Steelers selected TCU star receiver, Jalen Reagor. Though his availability will be in question Pittsburgh’s interest in him should not be.
A month ago, I would have never projected Reagor to this spot. He’s an incredibly twitched up wide receiver who can create space in a hurry and is a nightmare after the catch. However, a few poor numbers at the NFL Combine and some great performances by other wide receivers could cause him to slip a bit in the draft.
Despite testing excellent in his speed (4.47-second 40-yard dash) and explosion (42” vertical, 138” broad jump), Reagor tested horribly in his agility drills – clocking a 7.31 3-cone and (5th percentile among receivers) and a 4.46 20-yard shuttle (8th percentile). However, these numbers are reminiscent of the player he is.
Though he struggled with drops in college, Reagor’s film was excellent, and he shows the physicality and toughness to eventually become the number one receiver in the NFL. Reagor is a young player, but he didn’t put up eye-pooing numbers as a junior this past year (43 catches for 611 yards and 5 touchdowns). Instead, his best season came as a sophomore where he earned 72 receptions for 1,061 yards and 9 touchdowns.
On the Steelers, Reagor would slide right in as the team’s 4th wide receiver from day one. However, he would have a chance to elevate himself a whole lot higher. Outside of Diontae Johnson, Pittsburgh doesn’t really have a receiver who excels at creating separation on a consistent basis.
Reagor could do exactly that for the Steelers. He projects as either an X or Z-receiver at the next level and he is a player that will eat up yards after the catch in a hurry. Reagor has a playstyle that is similar to Antonio Brown, and both players win in many of the same ways.
Next. Steelers should take a look at Portland State TE in later round of Draft. dark
Without a first-round pick in 2020, the Steelers may not stay true to many of their trends they typically do with their first-round pick. Pittsburgh’s offense ranked 30th in the league last year, and there is no doubt they want to get Ben some help. Jalen Reagor could certainly give them a boost and is a solid option in my latest Steelers mock draft.