Best and worst possible options for the Steelers in the second round

Worst-case scenarios at pick 49:

RB Cam Akers or Zack Moss

There is a point in the draft where these running backs become good value, but pick 49 is far too rich for me. Preferably, I would think about taking Cam Akers at pick 102, and Zack Moss with one of their fourth-round picks.

The Steelers have expressed their need for a running back, and if they are sold on finding James Conner’s eventual replacement, they could look this way at pick 49. J.K. Dobbins will likely be off the board, while they reportedly do not have interest in Jonathan Taylor. Reaching on a running back of all things would be the worst-case scenario at pick 49 for me.

OT Austin Jackson

I am not a big fan of Austin Jackson’s tape. The USC tackle was often bullied by quicker pass rushers and he seems like a guy that is more of a swing tackle than a future starter to me. Unfortunately, the Steelers have a need at tackle, and there will be at least five taken before pick 49.

In the second-round, the only tackles I would like are Josh Jones and Ezra Cleveland. However, it’s possible that both players don’t even make it into the second round before coming off the board. Pittsburgh has too many other needs to pigeonhole themselves into taking a tackle I have graded as a 3rd round player on my board.

Chances are, the Steelers will end up taking a player at pick 49 that falls in between these two scenarios. Let’s hope they don’t reach for need in a solid 2020 NFL Draft class.