Steelers Mock Draft adds a QB, RB despite going DB in 1st

Round 4

While both of the Steelers safeties have improved their play over recent weeks, the depth behind them is certainly questionable. The team should be targeting this position in the draft as having a capable backup at either spot would be better than where they are now. Enter Leon O’Neal Jr. out of Texas A&M. The junior has great size and versatility to become a solid backup at the next level.

Known for his hard-hitting and consistent tackling, O’Neil seems more suited to be a strong safety at the next level. While he has the ability to cover deep, he is far more effective the closer he is to the line of scrimmage. His biggest issues are recognition and adjusting on the fly, but he would ideally have a few years before having to potentially become a starter on this defense. As well, he looks like a fierce special teams’ player. While he would have a long road to starting, adding a capable backup at safety should be a primary goal of this offseason.

I would have liked to address offensive tackle earlier in this draft, but it, unfortunately, wasn’t in the cards. That said, the Steelers have seen some impressive play from Chukwuma Okorafor on the right side, and with the likely return of Zach Banner next year, the team should have its two primary tackles. That said, adding a young rookie will improve the swing position and will ideally push both of the starters as he competes for more snaps.

Abraham Lucas would make a lot of sense at this juncture, as he seems like a safe prospect with only an average ceiling. The junior out of Washington St. has great size (6’7, 325 lbs) and has served as a solid right tackle. Given his play, he seems like he could start on either side which bodes well for his flexibility in the future. His biggest issue is his struggles with smaller speed rushers, as they can beat him around the edge. That said, he would have some time to develop before potentially starting, and adding him here would help fill out the depth chart.