Steelers mock draft: Offense becomes an early theme
By Tommy Jaggi
Round 4 (pick 128): Ronnie Perkins, EDGE, Oklahoma
In all honestly, the Steelers could address the edge defender position as early as the second round – assuming a player they really like is available. While Alex Highsmith had an excellent rookie season as Pittsburgh’s third-round pick in 2020, that will not stop them from drafting the position this year.
Losing Bud Dupree really hurts the Steelers, because there is virtually no depth behind T.J. Watt and Highsmith at outside linebacker. Ronnie Perkins fits the mold of a Pittsburgh edge defender. At 6’3” and 251 pounds, Perkins has a very similar size profile as Alex Highsmith. He has experience both standing up and with his hand in the dirt and has the speed to threaten the edge. He would be a solid value at this point.
Round 4 (pick 141): Bobby Brown III, DL, Texas A&M
After taking three straight offensive players to begin the draft, I have Pittsburgh investing a pair of fourth-round picks on the defensive side of the ball. With a lack of depth at defensive tackle and with Tyson Alualu potentially hitting the market this year, the Steelers need to find a way to keep the defensive line as a strength on their team. Bobby Brown has a terrific build and can anchor in the middle of the defense. Though he will never be a guy that produces at a high level, he will prove to be a solid run defender.