Steelers draft: Best case scenario at each position in the second round
By Tommy Jaggi
Defensive interior: Neville Gallimore
This is a tough one to predict, but based on the poor strength of this defensive tackle class, only two players (Derrick Brown and Javon Kinlaw) should be off the board before the second round. Neville Gallimore has violent hands and solid tape, but he and every other interior defensive lineman have red flags.
Other names who should be available include Justin Madubuike, Ross Blacklock, and possibly Raekwon Davis. The Steelers may want to wait and grab one later in the draft.
Edge defender: Julian Okuwara
This may be the hardest position in the draft to predict which players will be available in the second round – in large part because of the differing opinions on edge defenders this year. The players I’m confident will be off the board include Chase Young, K’Lavon Chaisson, A.J. Epenesa, and Zach Baun. After that, it’s hard to tell.
Notre Dame’s Julian Okuwara could be the next-best in line. Other players who could be available include Josh Uche, Curtis Weaver, and Terrell Lewis.
Linebacker: Malik Harrison
It’s not a particularly deep linebacker class this year. While the top three players (Isaiah Simmons, Patrick Queen, and Kenneth Murray) are all projected to be off the board early, it’s a matter of preference after that.
Malik Harrison is one player who would be an excellent fit next to Devin Bush when Vince Williams’ time is done. Also likely to be available are Markus Bailey, Akeem Davis-Gaither, and Troy Dye.