Steelers mock draft: OL, defense addressed instead of QB

Round 1

As stated already, I do not have the Steelers targeting a quarterback in this mock. While the team will need a new face to the franchise, in no way will a rookie quarterback be put into a position to succeed if drafted next year. Instead, the team should use their limited draft resources to build what the team lacks and prepare themselves for a rookie quarterback in the following offseason.

One of the biggest positions of weakness on the roster is the line. While the team will likely give Kendrick Green another season to develop, Trai Turner seems like a potential “one-and-done” for the team. Thus, adding a big man in the middle makes the most sense with the team’s first-round pick. Kenyon Green out of Texas A&M fits that mold well.

He fits all of the usual desires for a first-round pick. He comes from a big program, has great production, and is an underclassman. While he is the top interior line prospect right now, guards have a tendency to fall in the draft. Assuming the Steelers are picking somewhere in the teens, a shortfall due to positional value would allow the team the chance to draft him.

He would be a plug and play guard from day one and would give the Steelers a trio of athletic and young interior linemen to create the core of this line. Green is powerful from the point of attack and can move well in space. He would be a huge add for the team and would provide rushing lanes for Najee Harris for the next few seasons. The line needs to get better, so adding a talented guard like Green would go a long way in turning this unit into a strength.