The computer has decided who the Steelers will pick through three different simulations. The mock drafts were automatically done through the Pro Football Network seven-round mock draft tool.
The Pro Football Network does allow trades to occur so some of the automated mock drafts do include them. It is always interesting to see what the computer thinks is fair compensations for trades but that doesn’t always become a realistic outlook. The Steelers have lots of holes to fill in the 2021 NFL Draft. These mock drafts did a nice job of attacking those needs and filling them. Free agency and cap reduction still needs to occur so the Black and Gold’s needs still have a lot of work to do between now and the NFL draft. Those needs can fluctuate and change as the first-round approaches quickly. It will be another odd year with the Covid pandemic but it will still be a year where these players’ dreams come true.
Pittsburgh will be highly focused on the offensive line in this year’s draft because of players that will likely be leaving via free agency or retirement. Holes could be filled during the free agency period with great bargain deals but not much else. The Steelers have a little cap to sign any players, so the draft will be huge to keep this team in competitive form going forward. The simulation was run three times and each one was different. Overall, the computer did a nice job with the selections that it made.
Simulation 1
Round 1: Rashawn Slater, OL, Northwestern (TRADE: Steelers get pick 15, Patriots receive picks 24, 55, and 2022 5th rounder)
This trade is not too pricey for moving up that far into the first-round. It makes sense as Slater might be the most versatile offensive lineman in the NFL draft. This Northwestern product is very versatile and a very good player. He is a plug-and-play starter in this league no matter if it is at Center or Left Tackle. Giving up a second-round pick is tough but fixing the line in front of Ben Roethlisberger is the most important thing.
Round 3: Tutu Atwell, WR, Louisville
Atwell is a small and shifty receiver coming out of college. He had a breakout season last year but did not produce as much this season. It was a little disappointing but Louisville does not have the best program at the moment.
Round 4: Aaron Banks, OG, Notre Dame
Banks had a solid week of practice at the Senior Bowl. He adds more depth to the offensive line that is in desperate need of that. This is a great selection as Banks could eventually become a starter like Kevin Dotson showed this past season.
Round 6: Tre McKitty, TE, Georgia
McKitty might be one of the best-kept secrets in this year’s draft. He has a great ability to make blocks and fill in as an extra lineman. He has not produced much at all when it comes to catching the football while in college. A Matt Spaeth type of player is exactly what the Steelers need alongside Eric Ebron, who is the polar opposite.
Round 7: Josh Palmer, WR, Tennessee
Double-dipping at receiver is kind of a surprise but JuJu Smith-Schuster is leaving in free agency so Pittsburgh will need to find a replacement for the slot position. Palmer is a bigger-bodied receiver that could potentially be a special teams contributor while he tries to grow his game at the position.
Simulation 2
Round 1: Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
Harris has been the consensus first-round choice for the Steelers since the mock draft season began. He is a tough runner that is a dynamic play-maker. The issue for the running game is the offensive line more than those doing the actual running. Harris would be a nice pickup but it is still neglecting the actual issue.
Round 2: Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, USC
St. Brown is an interesting option for the black and gold at this point in the draft. He had a dip in production in his final year at USC but he has all the intangibles that this team looks for in its receivers. He would be a great addition to an already loaded roster.
Round 3: Kenny Yeboah, TE, Mississippi
Yeboah is from Allentown, PA so he would be playing in his home state with this selection. He had a really good year of production after transferring to Ole Miss from Temple. His move brought him some benefits in production increase as the big man creates a bigger target. He can lineup all over the field but he does need work on his blocking ability.
Round 4: Shaun Wade, DB, Ohio State
Wade moved to the outside corner position for Ohio State and he had very high hopes. He has proven his ability to be an amazing slot corner consistently but he did not have as great of a year while on the perimeter. The National Championship against future top-ten pick, Devonta Smith was not pretty. Smith is in a league of his own so scouts should go a little easier on Wade. He is still a solid prospect that can play all over the secondary.
Round 6: Joshua Kaindoh, OLB, Florida State
Kaindoh has the prototypical size that every team looks for in their edge rushers. He needs to continue his growth as a player. He is young coming out of Florida State so that helps him but his pass-rush production was minimal at best. It seems like his best days are still ahead of him if his worth ethic is high. It will take some time as the former Seminole is more of a project.
Round 7: Tommy Doyle, OT, Miami (OH)
Doyle would provide depth at the tackle position and could potentially grow into a starter. His side is mostly at Right Tackle. The former Red Hawks does seem like he could swing inside to become a guard. His possible flexibility would give him a nice edge in camp to make the final 53-man roster. It was not ideal addressing the tackle position this late in the draft but that is how this one shook out.
Round 7: Paddy Fisher, LB, Northwestern
Fisher has been a consistent pick in many mock drafts as a seventh-round choice. If he is there for the Steelers to choose late in day three of the draft then don’t be surprised if Fisher gets picked. He is a solid run-stuffer but does struggle in pass coverage at times. If he can figure out the game and slow down the passing-game then he will be a great addition. He would make an immediate impact on the Steelers special teams.
Simulation 3
Round 1: Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas
Cosmi is one of the most consistent names going to the Steelers. Both he and many other offensive linemen are mocked to the black and gold at pick 24. He is a day one starting Left Tackle in this league but the best part of his game is the potential that comes along with him. He is young and has a lot of growth left in his game.
Round 2: TRADE: Broncos get pick 55 and the Steelers receive picks 71, 108, and 139.
Round 3: Hunter Long, TE, Boston College
The Steelers trade back and get a nice haul of picks. They are likely to receive a fourth and sixth compensatory pick in this year’s draft and these additional ones add to that loot.
Long is one of the most well-rounded prospects in this year’s draft. He blocks well and has shown some nice receiving abilities. He might never be a true number one Tight End in the NFL but he could be a really solid second option. Pairing him with Eric Ebron would be a great complementary addition.
Round 3: Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, Oklahoma
Stevenson had a really solid week down at the Senior Bowl and that helped his draft-stock immensely. He is a nice well-rounded workhorse. The big back runs downhill but can also run routes and pass-block. That will be very intriguing for the Steelers as they look for James Conner’s replacement.
Round 4: Nico Collins, WR, Michigan
Collins is very interesting as his numbers were not great at Michigan because their Quarterback play was less than subpar. He is coming out after his Junior year and his sheer size makes him an interesting option for Pittsburgh. He stands at 6’4 and creates explosive plays. He could be a diamond in the rough if he’s put in the right situation.
Round 4: Monty Rice, LB, Georgia
Rice is another name that has been found in mock drafts all over the place. He has decent speed and a good all-around game. He just needs to trust his instincts more as it slows down his play-speed at times. If he corrects that then he will become a good starter in the NFL. A pair of him with Devin Bush would be a very nice addition of youth. Rice would also bring along depth as the position group’s future is in limbo right now.
Round 5: Victor Dimukeje, OLB, Duke
Dimukeje seems like he would be better off playing in a 4-3 scheme but he had a nice career at Duke. He was able to consistently get after the passer and cause disruption. The former Blue Devil also brings the size element that the Steelers like as he sits at 6’2 and 265 pounds.
Round 6: Jack Anderson, OG, Texas Tech
Anderson is a solid get at this point in the draft as he provides some nice depth at guard. Kevin Dotson and David DeCastro will be the opening day starters but this former Red Raider can play either side. He is not the best athlete but he is a powerful being in the trenches.
Round 7: Paris Ford, S, Pittsburgh
Ford being picked here would allow him to play for his hometown team. He stayed local for his college days as well. The depth behind Terrell Edmunds and Minkah Fitzpatrick is scarce at the moment. The Pitt product would provide the ability to start in a pinch but he will need to show up on special teams to make the team.
Round 7: Khyiris Tonga, DL, BYU
The defensive line is another need that is filled late in this mock draft. Tyson Alualu seems like he could be gone via free agency so replacing him and bringing in competition might need to be a priority. The Steelers have selected this position with their last pick in the past couple of drafts. Tonga is a huge human that can fill the middle of the line. He needs to work on his technique more but he has the physicality down. Tonga seems to be a projected Nose Tackle in the NFL.
These simulations definitely brought some unique draft choices for the Steelers. It will be interesting to see how this draft shakes out for the black and gold.