Steelers 2021 seven-round mock draft: Retooling the offensive line

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.