Steelers mock draft: Bolstering the offense early and often

Steelers mock draft: Rounds 3-4

 The Detroit Lions are still accruing draft picks. The Steelers were able to trade their compensatory 4th round pick, which they gained for the loss of Javon Hargrave, and a 3rd round pick in the 2022 draft for Detroit’s 3rd round pick. With the 71st pick of the draft, the Steelers select Jamie Newman.

Newman was regarded as a top QB prospect in this draft class before he opted out of the 2020 season due to Covid. As a result, teams are quick to forget how great of a prospect he was. Newman played okay during the Senior Bowl. Even though it was his first game-time action in a year, he completed 10-14 for 118 yards. With a year to ease back onto the football field sitting behind Ben Roethlisberger, he will be ready to take over the franchise in 2022. Dan Rooney said the Steelers were going to add another quarterback and Jamie Newman in the 3rd round is by far the best value they can get at this point.

Tyson Alualu is a free agent. Even if he is re-signed he isn’t going to last much longer at 34 years old in the defensive tackle spot. The Steelers draft his replacement in Tyler Shelvin with their original 3rd round pick. Shelvin is one of the best run-stuffers in the draft. He offers almost nothing in pass-rushing situations, but the Steelers already have a front-7 loaded in pass-rushers.

Being in the same division as the Browns and the Ravens means you have to be ready to defend the run. Both of these teams are among the top in the league in running the ball and Pittsburgh maintains the strength of their run defense by shoring up the middle of the unit.