Who could the Pittsburgh Steelers be targeting after round one of the NFL Draft?
The first round of the draft came and went with picks all over the board. The Steelers will have to wait some more before they pick at 49, but here are some players that might be available when their decision comes.
Despite the lack of fans filling the atmosphere, the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft didn’t disappoint. There were some solid selections made with a handful of jaw-dropping decisions thrown into the mix. Though Steelers fans probably didn’t like seeing so many wide receivers go, there is plenty of good to focus on heading into day two.
Things could certainly change if Pittsburgh decides to trade down from pick 49 to gain some draft capital in order to gain more picks. As of now, however, here are some names that the Pittsburgh Steelers could pick in the second round of the NFL Draft:
OT Ezra Cleveland, Boise State
He has been my second-round pick for the Steelers since I started making mock drafts. He provides instant starter capability that can push Okorafor at the position. The starting right tackle job seems to be open as we head into camp with other battles at the left guard position being up for grabs as well.
WR Michael Pittman Jr., USC
Receivers have been jumping off the board so far in this draft and it could be difficult to find Pittman landing at 49 or later. Another name to watch when it pertains to receiver is Leviska Shenault Jr. out of Colorado. Both are large target receivers that would be welcomed additions to the offense. When it comes to other names that could potentially fall to the Steelers when it pertains to this position the other name to watch is Denzel Mims out of Baylor who is also a big target with a big catching radius that would make any team happy.
RB Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin
Jonathan Taylor shows off his explosiveness when you watch him play. His biggest issue is the way he carries the ball, as he fumbled at an alarming rate in college. That is why he is sliding. The production is there and if he can develop more into a receiving threat and secure the football, then he would be a steal. Keep an eye on J.K. Dobbins out of Ohio State as well.
S Antoine Winfield Jr, Minnesota
One of the best safeties in the class would be a welcomed addition to provide depth and starting competition to Terrell Edmunds. If Winfield falls to Pittsburgh, it is tough to see them passing on the former Golden Gopher. Another name that is falling is the safety out of Alabama, Xavier McKinney.
EDGE Josh Uche, Michigan
Another year and another potential prospect out of Michigan. Uche is an intriguing player and could gain a lot of skill through a year of development behind Watt and Dupree. The position needs depth and Uche could provide meaningful snaps. Uche in the third round would be much more appealing, but he won’t make it that far. Another name to keep an eye on in case he somehow continues to fall is Zack Baun out of Wisconsin.
Next. 2020 NFL Draft Consensus Board: Where do your favorite Steelers prospects fall?. dark
Some of these names could certainly be off the board before pick 49, but these are all players who present solid value for Pittsburgh. Don’t be surprised if the Steelers end up landing one of them in the second round.