Steelers mock draft: Offense becomes an early theme
By Tommy Jaggi
The Steelers are going to need to retool their offense this year. Here’s the direction I have Pittsburgh going in my latest 2021 NFL mock draft.
Senior Bowl practices are underway and NFL teams are diligently searching for their next future stars. Teams will have varying needs this April, but the Steelers aren’t fooling anyone; they will be looking to add help on offense early.
After somehow managing to score under 20 points per game over their final six contests to close the season, Pittsburgh is going to be looking to bolster their offensive line and rushing attack, and Art Rooney II has already claimed that will be an emphasis this offseason. The Steelers have reportedly been one of the teams that have expressed interest in Najee Harris, but that seems a little rich for my blood at pick 24.
Still, offense will undoubtedly be the theme early on. Here’s my latest seven-round Steelers mock draft:
Round 1 (pick 24): Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan
I haven’t seen anybody mock Jalen Mayfield to the Steelers in round one yet, but it’s coming. Though some project his best fit will be at guard in the NFL, he’s more than capable of securing the right tackle job for Pittsburgh.
Mayfield checks practically every box the Steelers typically look for in the first round. He’s an athletic underclassman (redshirt sophomore) who is a violent player in a huge position of need. Oh, and did I mention that he’s from Michigan? While a true left tackle might be ideal early in the draft, Mayfield is a very safe player thanks to his ability to kick inside. He’s a starting right tackle in the NFL with potential Pro Bowl upside if he kicks inside to guard.