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Pittsburgh Steelers mock draft: No pain, so much to gain

By Jake Bendrick

FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 22: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium on January 22, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 22: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium on January 22, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 29: Defensive lineman James Lynch of Baylor runs a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 29, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 29: Defensive lineman James Lynch of Baylor runs a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 29, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Round 4, Selection 124: James Lynch, DL, Baylor

So far it’s been a very Steelers type of draft. A WR in round 2 will be slightly controversial, given the apparent needs on the interior lines and defensive depth positions, but they should atone with many fans by drafting Logan Wilson in round 3.  Now we look at both sides of the ball in round 4.

In 2019, Lynch merged his NFL-caliber athleticism with production, notching 13.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss. He profiles like a Steelers athlete, turning in very acceptable combine numbers in the 40-yard dash (5.01 seconds), 3 cone drill (7.39 seconds), and short shuttle (4.39 seconds). He’s a high-motor player who loves to hit and who managed to disrupt offenses consistently in the high-flying Big 12 conference.

At 6′ 4″ and 289 lbs, Lynch fits nicely with the Steelers’ profile for interior defensive line. As for the noise about needing a true nose tackle, those days are behind us. I love Casey Hampton as much as anyone but today’s NFL warrants players who can eat up blockers and rush upfield. Lynch can do both. He’ll look good in black.

Round 4, Selection 135: Darrynton Evans, RB, Appalachian State

Current running back, James Conner, runs with power and great vision. He’s your classic one-cut-and-go back and he’ll be critical in 2020 come the 4th quarter, when it’s time to wear down defenses.

Evans, on the other hand, is a big play waiting to happen every time he touches the ball. His game film shows a back consistently running away from Sunbelt Conference defenses and his 4.41-second 40-yard dash at the combine supported the speed that you see on tape. Combine that with plenty of wiggle and the ability to return kicks, and you have a player who will impact the offense and special teams from the get-go in 2020.

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