5 first round NFL Draft prospects Steelers are going to fall in love with

The Steelers will soon start their offseason preparations for the NFL Draft. Here are five players they are sure to fall in love with this year.

Despite not having a first-round pick in 2020 due to the Minkah Fitzpatrick trade, the Steelers proved to have an excellent draft already. Chase Claypool was one of the most impressive rookies this year, while Alex Highsmith and Kevin Dotson really outperformed any expectations in their rookie seasons as mid-round draft choices.

This time around, Pittsburgh does have their first-rounder, and they are going to want to make it count. In a year where Ben Roethlisberger finished the season poorly and could be on the verge of retirement, the Steelers would love to be able to go up and grab a quarterback, but it might cost too much to move up. If that is the case, here are five players Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert are sure to have their eyes on in the 2021 NFL Draft:

OT Jalen Mayfield, Michigan

When you look at Jalen Mayfield, it’s hard to find anything the Steelers aren’t going to like about him. Offensive tackle is clearly becoming one of Pittsburgh’s biggest needs as Chukwuma Okorafor really struggled this year, and Alejandro Villanueva has an expiring contract. Mayfield is listed at 6’5” and 320 pounds, but his size isn’t the only thing that should be intriguing.

We all know how well Mike Tomlin loves his Michigan players. Mayfield is a former 4-star recruit with plus, length, and power. He also is scheme versatile and even has some upside if the team later decides to kick him inside to guard. Mayfield didn’t have as good of tape as some of the other tackles from this draft, but he looks the part and has room to grow. This just feels like a player Tomlin and Colbert will get to know well this offseason.