Steelers 2021 7-round mock draft: Selecting based on positional need

Round 6 (pick 216): Jeret Patterson, RB, Buffalo

Many mock drafts have the Steelers selecting a running back early and that could very well be the case when the draft happens. In this scenario, the team decided to go in another direction and wait to add to this position in the sixth round by selecting Jeret Patterson.

The black and gold have been scouting the highly productive running back out of Buffalo. The franchise loves their MAC players and getting Patterson would only continue that infatuation. He is small in stature and that could be concerning for many but he has run for over 2,700 yards over the past two seasons as a Bull.

Round 7 (pick 245): Jonathan Marshall, DL, Arkansas

With Tyson Alualu leaving in free agency, the need for a Nose Tackle is there. It has been common over the past couple of drafts that the Steelers choose a defensive lineman in the later rounds and they do it again here. Jonathan Marshall is a monster of a man that can help clog rush lanes but he is mostly just a prototypical Nose Tackle. He will not do anything too special but if he can come in on run downs and stop the gaps from happening then this is a good selection in round seven.

Round 7 (pick 254): Trey Dean III, DB, Florida

Trey Dean III is more of a project but adding some competition to the bottom of the depth chart in training camp is very important. He could play corner or transition to safety at the next level so that is to be determined. Getting some help to bring some fire to the guys at the bottom of the roster throughout the pre-season will be important and Dean could do that and potentially fight for a roster spot on special teams. His size is super interesting as he stands at 6’3 and nearly 200 pounds. That is very interesting and many will want to try and mold that frame into something special.

The Steelers will need to have a successful draft class in 2021 if they want to be a good ball club in the future. This class is an all-around solid group going forward and one the black and gold would love to make a reality.