4 worst-case scenarios for Steelers with pick 24 in the NFL Draft

Baron Browning, LB, Ohio State

In a recent mock draft, I had the Steelers taking a surprise player in Baron Browning with the 24th overall pick. While this is a player who has hardly been talked about in the first round, Browning is a player that will check nearly every box Pittsburgh looks for in a high draft choice (apart from being a senior).

This has the makings to be a very ‘Terrell Edmunds-like’ pick to me. Browning tested as a terrific athlete at his Ohio State Pro Day. At 6’2 3/4” and 245 pounds, Browning remarkably tested above 99.8 percent of NFL linebackers, according to his Relative Athletic Score. His 4.56 40-yard dash, 40” vertical, 10’10” broad jump, and 6.78 3-cone drill will no doubt attack the Steelers to him on draft day.

Unfortunately, when you put on Browning’s tape, he leaves a lot to be desired. Despite his extreme athletic traits, Browning is rarely involved in the play and he has never earned more than 43 tackles in any season. Still, with Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert there to observe him at his Pro Day, Browning is a player we cannot rule out in the first round. The athletic upside is all there, but this would certainly feel like a reach to me in round one. Browning could develop into a very good NFL linebacker, or he could be just another athlete.