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Steelers Mock Draft: Unexpected talent falls to the Steelers

By Andrew Falce

BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 12: Grant Delpit #7 of the LSU Tigers tries for an interception against Freddie Swain #16 of the Florida Gators at Tiger Stadium on October 12, 2019 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Marianna Massey/Getty Images)
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 12: Grant Delpit #7 of the LSU Tigers tries for an interception against Freddie Swain #16 of the Florida Gators at Tiger Stadium on October 12, 2019 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Marianna Massey/Getty Images) /
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Taylor would fill out the Steelers depth chart
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE – NOVEMBER 30: Darrell Taylor #19 of the Tennessee Volunteers stands ready for a play against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second quarter at Neyland Stadium on November 30, 2019, in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images) /

Round 4

Darrell Taylor, EDGE, Tennessee

The Steelers have a big question mark long term at their OLB position. Bud Dupree is back on the franchise tag, but there has been no word on a long-term deal with him as of yet. Behind him is a very inexperienced and raw depth chart, thus the Steelers should be targeting an OLB in this draft. Darrell Taylor fits the bill for the Steelers, as he has the size they like and has been productive at the college level.

Taylor would help answer some depth questions during his rookie year, as he will be expected to compete for the top backup spot at OLB. Long term will be dependent on the Dupree situation, but if Taylor can pop on tape, it may leave the team more confident if Dupree isn’t on the team long term. Taylor is a high upside player and could see time as a starter down the road.

Others considered: Alton Robinson

Albert O Steelers
COLUMBIA, MO – SEPTEMBER 14: Tight end Albert Okwuegbunam #81 of the Missouri Tigers catches a touchdown pass against defensive back Lawrence Johnson #13 of the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks at Memorial Stadium on September 14, 2019, in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

Round 4

Albert Okwuegbunam, TE, Missouri

While the Steeler’s top two TE’s are set for 2020, little can be said about the certainty of the position in the future. Both Eric Ebron and Vance McDonald have flashed talent on tape, but they have also been wildly inconsistent. As well, it is very likely that only one of them makes the roster next year due to cap constraints. That’s where Albert Okwuegbunam steps in.

TE has a rough transition from the college level, meaning any player brought in through the draft will likely have an underwhelming rookie year. Grabbing a player with Okwuegbunam’s upside means he has a year to develop before taking on the role of a #2 TE next year. As well, Okwuegbunam has flashed some talent on tape and his athletic gifts are a plus as well. While he wouldn’t see extensive time his rookie year, he would be a player expected to make a big push next year for playing time.

Others considered: Antonio Gandy-Golden, Akeem Davis-Gaither

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