5 longshot draft picks that could fall to the Steelers

Gregory Rousseau Edge, Miami

You can make an argument Rousseau is not exactly a long shot. There is almost a fifty-fifty chance he’s on the board when the Steelers draft if you go by mock drafts. Despite that, many teams will have him on their shortlist as he has a lot to offer. If not, you could almost insert Jaelan Phillips’s name here as well, as if Rousseau is not available, Phillips maybe though he comes with additional risk to his concussion history.

How Rousseau falls to Pittsburgh

There are about three edge rushers that could go in the first round. Of the edge rushers, Rousseau and Phillips are arguably the top two. What is certain no edge rushers go before pick 10. Too many other talented players go in the first ten selections.  If Rousseau did go early, it certainly would be between picks 11-20. The Patriots could take either Mac Jones or Najee Harris. If Pitts and De Vonta Smith drop beyond ten, which is plausible, they go in these picks along with Darrisaw, Jenkins, and Cosmi. If Farley goes Arizona can easily go in the 2nd third of the draft. With a few wide receivers on the board and other linebackers like Kormoah, Oweh, Collins. Also, Jaelan Phillips, if he goes ahead of Rousseau, goes somewhere between picks 15-22 as well. Thus it’s not beyond the pale Rousseau is still on the board at the 24th pick.

Why Take Rousseau

First and foremost, Rousseau is huge. He’s 6’7” 253 pounds. Imagine adding him on the Steelers edge with T.J. Watts on the opposite side Devin Bush back in the middle. Suddenly no one remembers Bud Dupree. Granted, the Steelers must address the offensive line and running backs. However, if Rousseau is there, take him. Subsequent draft choices can address the other issues and offer temporary solutions at least.

In short, perhaps with the exceptions of Farley or Rousseau, it’s hard to expect any of these players to be on the board when the Steelers select.  That’s why they are considered long shots. However, whereas one scenario might not be plausible, it opens the door to any one of the other four occurring. Do the Steelers end up taking any one of these players? Or do they opt for any one of the likely choices? Unfortunately, this year, we will have to wait for the draft to play out and see who they ultimately select.