Steelers mock draft: Pittsburgh foregoes QB to build trenches early

Steelers mock draft round 2: DL Phidarian Mathis

This is the second time I’ve mocked Phidarian Mathis to the Steelers in the second round, and I think he’s a player who makes a ton of sense here. Art Rooney II was clearly not pleased with Pittsburgh’s run defense when he addressed the media in his post-season press conference, and there’s reason to believe they could dip into the DL pool this early.

We have no idea what’s going on with Stephon Tuitt at this point, and the fact that his Pittsburgh home was for sale not encouraging. If Tuitt is released or decides to retire, the Steelers will be left shorthanded on the defensive line. Though Tyson Alualu is expected to return for one more season, he will be 34 years old this offseason and missed 15 games in 2021.

Phidarian Mathis is a big, long-armed defensive lineman who can play in both odd and even fronts. He could be an eventual starter to replace Tuitt as the 5-technique defensive lineman who could kick to 1-tech in nickel formations.

Mathis’s production made a big jump as a senior this year, as he recorded 10.5 tackles for a loss and 9.0 sacks. He and Isaiahh Loudermilk will look to be the future of the interior defenders in Pittsburgh after Cameron Heyward, Stephon Tuitt, and Tyson Alualu are gone.