Steelers Mock Draft: Pittsburgh takes a balanced approach after free agency

TALLAHASSEE, FL - APRIL 8: Runningback Cam Akers #3 of the Florida State Seminoles warms-up before the annual Garnet and Gold Spring Football game at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on April 8, 2017 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
TALLAHASSEE, FL - APRIL 8: Runningback Cam Akers #3 of the Florida State Seminoles warms-up before the annual Garnet and Gold Spring Football game at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on April 8, 2017 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 28: Tanner Muse #19 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates his teams win over the Ohio State Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 28: Tanner Muse #19 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates his teams win over the Ohio State Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

6th round: Tanner Muse

Linebacker/safety, Clemson

Tanner Muse was a safety at Clemson, but that could change at the next level. At 6’2” and 227 pounds, he fits today’s breed of a linebacker in the NFL. The Steelers had all of their brass on hand at Clemson’s Pro Day this offseason, and his athleticism is hard to ignore.

Though Muse is projected to be a day-three player, he has an intriguing upside with his 4.41 speed. Pittsburgh lost two linebackers this offseason with Mark Barron getting released and Tyler Matakevich signing with the Buffalo Bills.

Currently, the Steelers have just Ulysees Gilbert as the only remaining backup from 2019 behind Devin Bush and Vince Williams. Muse can run, cover, and tackle, and his upside makes him good value at his point in the draft. He could start as a special teamer who may be able to work his way into the linebacker rotation on defense.

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