The Steelers hold the 24th pick in the first round of the NFL draft in 2021. Here’s a look at what each team could do with their top pick this year.
The 2020 NFL season has finally drawn to a close with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers winning Super Bowl 55. The offseason starts now as teams will look forward to their offseason plans to make their franchise better. Free-agent options will be looked at and the draft will begin to inch closer and closer. The order in the 2021 NFL Draft has now been set in stone at the moment. Trades always happen between now and throughout the first-round. Although it is not likely that the Steelers trade up or down, stranger things have happened. It will be interesting to see what teams do to acquire players and picks between the current moment in time till the end of the first day of the festivities in Cleveland, Ohio. Some big names are on the trade block while others will try to trade and jump other teams to select the player they like.
It will be an exciting day and this mock draft made it even more interesting. Trades happened with teams seeking their franchise quarterback while others traded down knowing they could still get a good player while adding picks to their draft class. Fans of the Steelers will not care what other teams do until pick 24 comes up. But people should pay attention because it will help decide who the black and gold can select.
Some surprise choices happened as teams could not pass-up certain players that fell further than most thought they would. It happens every year where a certain player that is held in high regard falls for some unknown reason and that will be no different this time. Positions like offensive tackle, quarterback, and wide receivers normally go often in the first-round. Last year was more of an outlier but don’t be surprised if this year is different from last.
Picks 1-8
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
This pick is a no brainer as the Jaguars try to fix their franchise with a great prospect in Lawrence.
2. New York Jets: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
Sewell might be the best prospect in the draft and the Jets need major help everywhere. Darnold could still be salvaged and giving him more protection will help immensely.
3. TRADE: Carolina receives pick 3, Miami receives picks 8, 39, and 2022 2nd and 5th rounders
Carolina Panthers: Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
The first trade of the draft sees the Panthers jump up to select Wilson. Some character issues might have come to light about the player but he is great. He has done nothing but produce big numbers at BYU. The main question is if he could transfer that same skill to beating NFL talent every Sunday.
4. Atlanta Falcons: Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
Fields was pegged as the second-best quarterback in this class but he did not play his best in the Championship game. He still needs work and his ability to read defenses will be a major factor in his career. Having time to learn behind Matt Ryan would be a huge benefit to him.
5. Cincinnati Bengals: Devonta Smith, WR, Alabama
The Bengals need offensive line help desperately but it is too tough to pass on Smith here. They can get a tackle in the second-round but Smith is a difference-maker at the next level and surely Joe Burrow wouldn’t mind another weapon.
6. Philadelphia Eagles: Ja’Mar Chase, WR, LSU
The Eagles are rumored to trade away Carson Wentz so they could go quarterback but they still have Jalen Hurts so getting him some weapons here would help. Creating movement helps the offensive line’s effectiveness and it will get his new target more opportunities.
7. Detroit Lions: Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
Parsons is the best defensive prospect in this year’s draft. He is a physical freak that is big and can run. He is a future All-pro player in the NFL and that will help move this bad Lions defense in the right direction. In a dream world, the Steelers would bring Parsons aboard, playing alongside Devin Bush. Well, at least one can dream.
8. Traded to, Miami Dolphins: Rashawn Slater, OL, Northwestern
Miami still gets a great selection here with Slater. He can play all over the offensive line and his versatility will have him rise draft boards even more. He is a player the Steelers wish they could select with how he can play anywhere. Slater will likely play tackle at the next level and that is a nice thing to hear if you are Tua Tagovailoa.
Picks 9-16
9. Denver Broncos: Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
Farley is the best corner in the draft. The Broncos have many needs to fill and could even go with a surprise at quarterback but corner was a glaring need for the team after releasing A.J. Bouye.
10. Dallas Cowboys: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
The Cowboys need help desperately in their secondary and Surtain is a solid prospect at corner. The offense will return to form if or when Dak Prescott returns but the defense gets much-needed help here.
11. New York Giants: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
The Giants are another wildcard team as it is uncertain what they want. They could also look at quarterback as Daniel Jones seems to be a bust but it is more likely they give him one last shot. Getting him help and sparking the offense with a playmaker like Waddle should help.
12. San Francisco 49ers: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
This is somewhat of a “shocker” pick as the team is still paying Jimmy Garoppolo big bucks. The former starter has struggled recently with his play and injury problems. He has been rumored on the trade block so do not be surprised if they take one of the quarterbacks in this year’s draft if one falls to them.
13. Los Angeles Chargers: Christain Derishaw, OT, Virginia Tech
Justin Herbert is their future as he set records for the NFL as a rookie. He has all the tools to be a franchise-level player. He needs protection from his line and Derishaw is one of the best tackles in this class. Derishaw has been picked to the Steelers in mock drafts but he doesn’t fall enough here.
14. Minnesota Vikings: Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan
The Vikings wanted to get a pass-rusher after trading for Yannick Ngakoue before trading him again. Paye is one of the best coming out of college and a good get here for the Vikings.
15. New England Patriots: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame
Owusu is one of the most athletic players for his position. His speed and hybrid ability to the lineup as a linebacker and safety is truly a unique option. Bill Belichick will love this versatility as they look to retool this team as their dynasty days are over.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
Pitts is another name that would be high on the Steelers draft board. He is a big target in the passing game and one that slipped in this mock draft. He will likely go higher but the Cardinals get a great weapon for their sensational quarterback, Kyler Murray.
Picks 17-24
17. Las Vegas Raiders: Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama
The Raiders have a group of problems that need to be addressed. Their defense seems to be the major issue and playing against the Chiefs twice a year does not help. Barmore is a solid big-man upfront that could be a dominant force in this league.
18. Miami Dolphins: Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami
Rousseau was expected to be the top pass-rusher in this class but failed to improve his production this past year. He still played very well and adds to an already stout Dolphins defense.
19. Washington Football Team: Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
Washington is still searching for a name of the franchise but they get a proven player in Jones. He has done nothing but win at the most dominant program in college football. It will be interesting to see what he can do outside such a loaded team. Washington’s defense should pair nicely with a rookie quarterback.
20. Chicago Bears: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OT, USC
The Bears seem to need a signal-caller as well but they’re all gone by this point. Bringing back Mitch Trubisky for another season could happen. Their defense is one of the best in the league and getting Trubisky some protection could help him.
21. Indianapolis Colts: Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
The Colts are suddenly without the most important position in football after Philip Rivers retired. They could be a secret trade-up team if they do not address this giant hole in free agency or elsewhere. Horn is a solid get here as he fell further than most imagine that he would.
22. TRADE: Jaguars receive pick 22, Titans receive picks 25, 100, and 2022 6th rounder
Jacksonville Jaguars: Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas
The Jaguars trade up past the Steelers to get a great player in Cosmi. He is young and has more development in him but his ceiling is high. Protecting Trevor Lawrence should be a top priority and they begin doing that here by getting Cosmi.
23. New York Jets: Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson
Dynamic playmakers do not grow on trees and this Jets offense needs them. They got their tackle earlier and now Etienne will give some more help for Darnold. The former Clemson Tiger can do it all by catching and running with top-notch speed.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State
Some might find Jenkins being a little too rich for the selection here by the Steelers. He is a big man that has all the tools to be successful at the NFL level. Jenkins has experience after becoming the starter during his sophomore season. His size and ability will make him very interesting to NFL scouts as the draft gets closer.
Picks 25-32
25. Traded to, Tennessee Titans: Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia
The Titans still get a good player here with Ojulari. He had a great bowl game that saw him dominate the lesser competition. This defense needs work as it got exposed against the Baltimore Ravens in the playoffs. The secondary needs help as well but the former Georgia Bulldog was too hard to pass on.
26. Cleveland Browns: Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
The Browns are coming off their best season in decades. The defense is tough and the offense is doing well with a great offensive line. Baker Mayfield continues to be suspect at times so getting him another weapon would help their cause of staying playoff contenders.
27. Baltimore Ravens: Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama
Leatherwood had a bad week down at the Senior Bowl but he is still one of the best tackles in the NFL draft. Orlando Brown wants out of the organization so the need is there. Ronnie Stanley will be returning but Leatherwood helps provide stability along the front.
28. New Orleans Saints: Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU
New Orleans is at a crossroads as Drew Brees still has a decision to make in regards to his retirement. The secondary is one of the many reasons this team lost in the playoffs. Moehrig is a top safety in this class and will help provide stability in the backend as Malcolm Jenkins gets older.
29. Green Bay Packers: Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri
This team has not been able to capitalize on the Aaron Rodgers era besides winning one Super Bowl. The defense has a good front line but behind that, they’re lacking. Bolton is a speedy athletic linebacker that can help roam the middle.
30. Buffalo Bills: Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB, Syracuse
It was a very nice season by the Bills that ended in heartbreak at the hands of Patrick Mahomes. This is a great up and coming team that is very close to the big game. Suring up their defense and adding another good corner across from Tre’Davious White would be a huge upgrade.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan
One thing that many learned while watching the Super Bowl was you cannot win without starting-caliber offensive linemen playing. Saying it was ugly is an understatement. Adding a tackle to help protect the franchise is always a good idea even with players coming back from injury.
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
Steelers fans will hate this idea that Harris falls to them and gets selected to go play with Tom Brady. This is a win-now team and adding a player like Harris shows that even with the starter Ronald Jones still there you can never have enough weapons. Leonard Fournette is a free agent so it is unknown if he will return but adding Harris here will replace him with an upgrade.
This year’s draft will be unique and unpredictable with trades since there are so many quarterbacks available. This mock draft displayed some players that fell and some trading up to try and secure a franchise player.