10 most likely picks for Steelers first round of the 2021 NFL Draft

Liam Eichenberg OL Notre Dame

Chance drafted by Steelers: 6%

Liam Eichenberg as a draft choice makes sense. He’s 6’6” 302 pounds. He has good vision, picks up stunts, and blitzes well with excellent hand placement.  That said, whether or not he’s a true first-rounder is debatable. Some think that’s too high for him. In most mock drafts, he falls out of the first round 77% of the time.

With a hole left by Villanueva, the Steelers must address the tackle position. Sure, Eichenberg helps fulfill that need, but it’s hard to fathom the Steelers risking that on someone who is potentially day two talent. While it’s possible they take Eichenberg, as he should be available, expect the Steelers to pass for a higher value player, which will better address their team needs.

Samuel Cosmi OL, Texas

Chance drafted by Steelers 6%

The rating of him only having a 6% chance the Steelers drafting him is a bit misleading.  More than likely it’s that low only because a lot of mock drafts include Eichenberg instead.  Why draft Cosmi? He’s 6’7” 309 pounds. He quickly sets up off the snap, and he stays square when blocking. Cosmi does a good job of using angles or knocks pass rushers off their angle. He can also anchor in pass protection. Now the bad about Cosmi. He overextends into blocks, doesn’t get low enough at times, and can lack intensity when needed.

There is a 54% chance that a team will take Cosmi after the 21st pick. Adjusting for the margin of error, it’s closer to 60%. Even then, he more than likely gets drafted after the 20th selection, he has good odds of falling to the Steelers.  At the 24th selection, the Steelers get good value for Cosmi and someone who improves the team.