Steelers 2021 mock draft: Letting the computer decide rounds 1-3
The Steelers offseason is just beginning and many have different perspectives on who the team should draft, these mocks are done entirely by the computer.
The system chose the Steelers picks from rounds one through three. The following mock drafts have been completed by the Pro Football Focus 2021 draft simulator. It allows for people to chose draft picks or for the computer to automatically run potential draft outcomes. In this case the computer chose the picks from rounds one through three and it showed interesting results. In this scenario trades are allowed to happen, those swaps of picks are automatically determined with a value structure in the system.
Now that all the details are ironed out, these following three situations allow for people to witness what the logical and “need-based” picks are for Pittsburgh. This is before free agency begins so anything can happen when the offseason signing starts and the draft occurs. Needs will change based on who is lost and retained during that time but as of now, there are a lot of holes to fill.
Simulation 1
Round 1: Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson
In this mock draft, Najee Harris was taken earlier in the first round. The black and yellow were last in the league for rushing offense and it culminated in all factors. The line could not get a push for the life of them and the running backs struggled to see the field.
Etienne was very productive as a Tiger in college. He had more of a letdown year after what was expected from his previous two seasons in college. His career has been highly productive still as he played alongside the future first overall pick, Trevor Lawrence. Etienne is small in stature but his vision and quick burst allow him to be one of the best backs in this deep prospect pool.
Round 2: Brevin Jordan, TE, Miami
Jordan is a name Steelers fans should get to know as he is a top tight end prospect with a high ceiling. He still has some work to do with his game but he is a big receiving threat. He has been a monster at Miami and could become an all-around amazing player if his blocking improves as he enters the NFL. With Vance McDonald likely leaving due to cap causalities, this position of need is high right now.
Round 3: Monty Rice, LB, Georgia
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Rice is a nice get here at this point in the draft. The position has a murky future with Vince Williams and Avery Williamson’s potential stays being in question. Robert Spillane will be back and so will a returning Devin Bush. The depth behind them could be very scarce and something the team will need to address come draft day. The former Bulldog has some speed to his game but he lacks consistency. He had a breakout year before this past season but failed to display that same explosiveness in his 2020 campaign. He is still a nice prospect that could be a great addition to this defense.