Steelers Fan Mailbag: Possible picks in the NFL Draft and more

With the NFL Draft just around the corner, I conducted the second installment of my Steelers Fan Mailbag. Here’s what we uncovered.

For the first time since 1967, the Steelers will enter the NFL Draft without a first-round pick. Though this could throw a curveball in Pittsburgh’s usual early-round draft trends, it shouldn’t affect how Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin evaluate talent.

Last week, I opened my first installment of my Steelers Fan Mailbag where I answered questions pertaining to the Steelers and the upcoming NFL Draft. Now, we will continue with additional draft questions pertaining to Pittsburgh.

Here are the questions sent to me from fans and my response to each one:

Question: What are your thoughts on the Steelers trading back from 49 and still being able to get a player they want but also pick up extra draft picks whether if it’s another 3rd or even a 5th Rd pick?

Answer: I think that is something they would love to be able to do this year, being short-handed on draft picks. The problem is finding a trade partner. There are teams looking to trade back every year. I’m all in favor of trading back in the draft. There is a lot of talent from rounds 2-4. Steelers need depth at a number of positions. Wouldn’t say it’s likely, but they will certainly explore that option.

Question: Hey Tommy, first thank you for all you do I enjoy reading all your material! You’re KC who would you take number 49 in a perfect world? 

Answer: There are a lot of different directions Colbert could go at pick 49. In a perfect world, I would like to take advantage of a fantastic wide receiver class. Jalen Reagor and Brandon Aiyuk could both make solid X-receivers that could not only give Pittsburgh’s offense a boost in 2020, but provide security if JuJu Smith-Schuster doesn’t sign an extension. I would lean towards picking one of them at 49, if either is available.

Question: What highly regarded prospect has the best chance to fall to the Steelers in the second round?

Answer: A player who I think is going to fall is Clemson WR Tee Higgins. He was once regarded as a lock to make the first round, but his poor 40-yard dash and 10-yard split at his Pro Day will scare teams away from drafting him in the first round. Minnesota safety Antoine Winfield is another name who could side in the draft. I like his tape and athleticism, but I’ve heard people around the NFL aren’t as high on him due to durability concerns.

Question: Do you see safety being a top priority to provide Edmunds some competition?

Answer: I don’t. The Steelers like to stick with their guns and they are going to give Terrell Edmunds every opportunity to prove himself in 2020. That being said, their depth is really poor. I would bet on them drafting a safety in round three.

Question: What are your top 5 QBs in this draft class?

Answer: In order, my top five quarterbacks are Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa, Justin Herbert, Jalen Hurts, and Jordan Love.

Question: Hey @TommyJaggi thank you for your time…what are 5 players in this draft that would be ideal pickups for the Steelers?

Answer: Good question. Five players on my wishlist this year that I think would be great fits for the Steelers are WR Brandon Aiyuk, EDGE Julian Okwara, OG/C Tyler Biadaz, LB Jordyn Brooks, and CB Amik Robertson. It’s not realistic to land all of them, but a combination of two or three would make me happy.

Question: How many guys who fit the mold of a 2020 Nose Tackle are worth the 49th pick? And, does Minkah need more of a Strong Safety paired with him? Meaning is Minkah more of a free safety…

Answer: In all honesty, probably only Justin Madubuike would be worth taking at pick 49, in my opinion. However, the defensive tackle class is pretty thin. I think he will be off the board before Pittsburgh’s second-round pick, if I had to guess. As far as safety goes, the Steelers are going to be sticking with Edmunds at strong safety, but I almost expect them to add depth at the position on day three of the draft.

Thanks to all who participated in the Steelers Fan Mailbag. If you have questions pertaining to the Steelers or the NFL draft you would like to ask, please leave a comment or direct message me on Twitter at @TommyJaggi.