The Pittsburgh Steelers still have a lot to accomplish before the draft happens but it is never too early for a mock draft. This mock has the team addressing many of its current holes.
With Maurkice Pouncey retiring and other starters leaving the Steelers via free agency, there will be many holes to fill up. Matt Feiler will be gone but Kevin Dotson will take over the starting spot at the left guard vacancy. The main targets during the offseason will be looking for players to fill those voids at the center and left tackle positions.
This will be no easy task as every team in the NFL wants a solid front protecting their quarterback. Ben Roethlisberger has one more year left before retirement happens, but the future Hall of Famer is not guaranteed to return this season. The Steelers will have to worry about a replacement for him sooner rather than later. Now, they have to worry about rebuilding much of their offensive lineup.
The 2021 NFL Draft will be very important for the team’s future going forward. They need to have a successful class to stay competitive and a solid group when the Roethlisberger era ends. The search for a new quarterback could be less of a task with a front that protects a young prospect coming onto the team.
This will be a huge positional group to target this offseason so the future is set. Other depth concerns along the roster will likely be addressed at receiver, linebacker, the defensive line, and more. These needs will fluctuate based on what happens to shed money to get under the salary cap and bringing in free agents. Here’s what I have the Steelers doing in my latest seven-round mock draft:
Round 1: Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
Najee Harris is the most pro-ready running back in this draft class. He is a physical beast and he showed that every week at Alabama. The Steelers running game was one of the worst in the NFL last season. Bringing in Harris could provide a spark to a stale offensive attack.
As he has shown in his time at Alabama, Harris has that game-changer ability that each NFL team covets. The Crimson Tide product fell to the black and gold in this mock draft, but that is not a common occurrence. It will be interesting to see if he does fall when the first round kicks into high gear. If this player is sitting there when it is time for Pittsburgh to choose, then it will be hard for them to pass on Harris.
The main issue with this pick is that the running back will be 23 years old next month and who had a sizable workload in college. Harris is a little older than most would prefer and with slightly more tread taken off the tires.
That brings up other causes for concern like how much tread is left on the tires and how long can he last in the league? His production is there and that will transfer to the next level but how long will he be able to produce at that output? Using a first-round choice on a running back is becoming rarer but Harris is deserving of that selection. He can do it all and would be a welcomed addition to the franchise.
Round 2: Dillon Radunz, OT, North Dakota State
Dillon Radunz is coming from one of the best FBS college football programs. Before the Senior Bowl, he was not expected to rise draft boards as much. However, since that week down in Mobile, Radunz proved his worth against some of the best edge rushers in one on one drills during practice and then the game.
His impressive week of work has caught the eye of NFL scouts and this would be a realistic spot for him to land. Many might prefer the Steelers to go tackle or center in the first round but getting Radunz here is a great value pick. He could be brought into immediately battle for the starting left tackle spot in training camp. If his Senior Bowl week performance showed us anything, it’s that he is capable of becoming a starter in the NFL.
Round 3: Richie Grant, S, UCF
With Sean Davis likely departing in free agency again, this will be a need. The safety position is set with the starters but the depth behind them is very sparse. Bringing in Grant provides a nice jump in depth talent and potentially a future starter. Terrell Edmunds improved his game last season but it is not entirely known if he is the future at the safety position for the team. Bringing Grant along slowly can help make him the heir apparent when Edmunds potentially leaves.
Round 4: Drake Jackson, C, Kentucky
One thing is for sure: the Steelers need to find a center this offseason. Another thing they need is help in the run game. Drake Jackson offers both of those things for the team. He is a stronger run-blocker than he is in the pass-blocking department. He does need work in his pass-blocking but he is an immediate upgrade over any center the team currently has on the team. The starting spot would likely be his from day one.
Round 6: Shi Smith, WR, South Carolina
With JuJu Smith-Schuster likely leaving in free agency, Smith is a good get. The black and gold need to fill the slot-receiver role and this player would do just that. Smith isn’t fast, but he is shifty and quick which is exactly what the role calls for. He showed great separation at the Senior Bowl.
Round 7: D.J. Daniel, CB, Georgia
D.J. Daniel will have to show up on special teams to make a name for himself here, luckily he shows those abilities in his game. He would also bring in competition for those fringe-roster corners in training camp.
Round 7: William Bradley-King, EDGE, Baylor
William Bradley-King also brings in competition for the depth behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. It will need some new blood in that edge rushers group. His special teams ability will also need to be proven in camp to make the team. He has the size the Steelers look for in their pass rushers but he does lack some athleticism and that could hinder him at the next level.
It is going to be interesting to see how this team is constructed next season after free agency and the draft concludes. This might be the last shot at a Super Bowl for the Steelers for a decent amount of time.