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

Azeez Ojulari LB, Georgia

Chance drafted by the Steelers: 6%

If the Steelers select a linebacker to replace Dupree, Ojulari may be a perfect choice. There is an approximate 76% chance he remains on the board for the Steelers selection. Unlike other linebackers in the draft, some think he is gifted. That says a lot. He fires off the snaps, has excellent body control, and great use of his hands.

Despite having a few knocks on not being a first-round talent, he has an estimated 58% chance of going off the board between the 11th and 32nd selections. With Devin Bush returning after his injury and TJ Watt still healthy, one might question the need to use a first-round pick on Ojulari if the Steelers can address linebacker needs in the 2nd or 3rd round, which is a fair point. Yet if he checks all the boxes and improves the defense, it makes sense. As we know, the Steelers place a premium on their defensive reputation.

Travis Etienne RB, Clemson

Chance drafted by Steelers: 6%

Face it, the Steelers running back position is still in disarray. The Steelers have not resigned James Conner. They did sign Kalen Ballage, but one must wonder how he adds value to the Steelers’ running game. So are the Steelers leaning towards nabbing a running back? If so, Etienne should, by all accounts, be available, and certainly, he has talent. In high school, the kid ran a 4.43 40-yard dash. In his senior year in High school, he ran for 2,459 yards, 35 touchdowns on 211 carries. His success just carried over at Clemson.

His draft odds are a bit peculiar. Mock drafts have him all over the board, anywhere from the first ten selections or no one drafting him in the first round. If one were to wager it’s a 50-50 proposition, he gets selected in the first round. If the Steelers plan to use the draft to bolster the running game, Etienne should be available. If not, they have one additional option further up the list.