Steelers mock draft: Pittsburgh goes CB first before attacking OL

South Carolina Gamecocks defensive back Jaycee Horn (7) Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
South Carolina Gamecocks defensive back Jaycee Horn (7) Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Stanford Cardinal offensive tackle Walker Little Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 2:

871. . OT. Cardinal . Walker Little. 2. player

While I’m not high on offensive tackle being an early need for the Steelers, a player like Walker Little would have to be tempting in the second round. Had this class not been so strong with tackle at the top, Little would likely be seen as a late first-round pick given his dominant play despite the fact he hasn’t played the last two seasons for Stanford. With the questions at tackle being more long-term, adding Little in the second would be a huge win.

Little has the build the Steelers love in their tackles, as he is 6’7 and weighs a healthy 320 pounds. He is a solid pass protector that still needs to add a little more power to his run blocking. That said, given he hasn’t played since suffering a knee injury in 2019 and then opting out last season, Little would likely serve as the rotational backup during his rookie year. He can add some more bulk and get back into a rhythm that way.

Fans should remember that he was seen as a likely first-round pick before opting out this year, and some experts had him in their top ten. While there are some inherent risks with taking him due to the rust that he has from not playing, the Steelers wouldn’t have to count on him starting in his rookie year. Little would work his way back into the game before taking over at left tackle in 2022.