Steelers 2020 Mock Draft: Final seven-round version

MADISON, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 07: Jonathan Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers warms up before the game against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Camp Randall Stadium on September 07, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MADISON, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 07: Jonathan Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers warms up before the game against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Camp Randall Stadium on September 07, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 24: Jonathan Garvin #97 of the Miami Hurricanes in action against the Pittsburgh Panthers on November 24, 2017 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 24: Jonathan Garvin #97 of the Miami Hurricanes in action against the Pittsburgh Panthers on November 24, 2017 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

4th round (pick 124): Jonathan Garvin

Edge defender, Miami

The Steelers covet youth and explosion at the edge rusher position, and Jonathan Garvin has both. Though he mainly played as a hand-in-the-dirt defensive end at Miami, Garvin has some experience standing up. We have seen bigger transitions before (think Lawrence Timmons), so this is well within the realm of possibility.

At this point in the draft, the Steelers need to land some depth on the edge, and they no doubt have taken notice of Garvin’s frame (6’4” and 263 pounds with 34” arms) and explosive skillset (36” vertical, 125” broad jump). What’s perhaps most enticing is his youth. Garvin is just 20 years old. Though he took a step back as a junior, he earned 17.0 tackles for a loss during his sophomore season.

Garvin would not be forced to play right away, but he could compete for snaps behind Bud Dupree and T.J. Watt. However, he has more than enough tools to eventually earn a starting gig if he continues to grow as a player. He’s a high-upside pick with a relatively high floor due to his strength, length, and athletic traits.