Steelers mock draft: Offense becomes an early theme

Round 7 (pick 242): Brenton Nelson, CB, Virginia

The Steelers could be in much bigger need of a cornerback than anyone even realizes at this point. Mike Hilton and Cameron Sutton are both free agents this year, while Joe Haden could be a potential cap casualty due to his absurdly high cap hit in 2021. While it’s certainly possible that the Steelers could retain Sutton or Hilton, they are still going to need to add depth at the position.

Unfortunately, Justin Layne has not made progress like Pittsburgh would have hoped. Virginia cornerback, Brenton Nelson, could come in and push him on the depth chart. Though he’s not as big or long as Layne, Nelson has position flexibility with experience at safety and he earned 8 interceptions in his collegiate career.

Round 7 (pick 251): Tuf Borland, LB, Ohio State

‘Tuf’ is a perfect name for this Ohio State linebacker, because that’s exactly what he is: tough. Though Tuf Borland may not be the rangiest, strongest, or most athletic linebacker in college football, he’s a fiery competitor who has played 38 games for one of the best football programs in the nation. Borland may just be fighting for a roster spot, but much like Tyler Matakevich who was drafted in the seventh round, I have a feeling he might just get one.

There is still a lot of film that I need to grind out, but this is a direction I could see the Steelers going this April. Stay with us for more draft coverage as we march on through the offseason.