Steelers 7-round mock draft: Pittsburgh adds a QB of the future
By Andrew Falce
Steelers Round 5
Reed Blankenship. 5. player. 2372. . SS. Blue Raiders
The Steelers will need a new safety in 2022, and while a fifth-round pick shouldn’t be counted on to start, Reed Blankenship has the potential to be a great special teams’ player and a key third safety playing close to the line of scrimmage. Long-term, Blankenship could become a solid run-stopping strong safety.
He has played extremely well at a smaller school, and he has a clear role on the team in year one. If the Steelers wait this long to address their safety spot, ideally, they will have signed someone to start there. That would be the best-case scenario for the team as it would allow Blankenship to develop as a complete defender.
He could see some snaps as a dime defender for the team and he projects well on special teams. He is also a plus athlete, something that should add to his intrigue with the team. Blankenship would be a strong addition to the team this late in the draft. He would be another defensive back option to field in this revamped defense.