4 Steelers NFL Draft targets that could be off the board before pick 49

By Tommy Jaggi | Apr 13, 2020

COLLEGE PARK, MD - NOVEMBER 02: Josh Uche #6 of the Michigan Wolverines in action on defense during a game against the Maryland Terrapins at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium on November 2, 2019 in College Park, Maryland. Michigan defeated Maryland 38-7. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

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SOUTH BEND, IN – OCTOBER 12: Julian Okwara #42 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in action on defense during a game against the USC Trojans at Notre Dame Stadium on October 12, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated USC 30-27. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

EDGE Julian Okwara

I’ve heard that the Steelers have interest in both Uche and edge defender Julian Okwara. While my guess would be that they like Uche more because of his versatility and Michigan ties, there is plenty of reason to believe Okwara will be a candidate for them.

Bud Dupree is playing on the franchise tag in 2020, but the Steelers could look to find his eventual replacement in a player like Okwara. He possesses very similar size metrics as T.J. Watt, and has rare bend and athleticism for his size.

The Steelers have shaky, unproven depth in Ola Adeniyi and Tuzar Skipper at the position, and they won’t feel comfortable heading into the season that way. Uche and Okwara have the potential to be their top two candidates in the 2020 NFL Draft, but with Okwara’s immense upside, some have likened him to Danielle Hunter. He may not make it to Pittsburgh’s second-round pick.

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