Steelers mock draft: Defense is the priority after new OL additions

With free agency underway for the Steelers, here is a look at a new mock draft that attempts to fill their needs before any big signings are announced.

With the NFL set to open free agency underway, the Steelers have certainly been one of the more active teams when it comes to filling their biggest holes. Their needs have since changed.

In this mock draft, the Steelers attack their roster in a different way, bypassing quarterback and interior offensive line in favor of some other positions. Here is a seven-round Steelers mock draft after free agency.

Steelers round 1

A man that seemingly blew up the combine and will be talked about for years to come, Jordan Davis is certainly an impressive big man. Despite weighing in at a massive 6’6, 341 pounds, Davis moved like an elite athlete and now has the scouting community buzzing. While there are limitations to his tape, he was truly the best player on the board when my time to pick came up.

While some will want him to just naturally fill out his frame and remain a pure nose tackle, I personally would want to see the big man shed a little weight so he can be more of a hybrid player on the team’s line. As well, he needs to improve heavily as a pass-rusher, as his seven career sacks at Georgia aren’t impressive.

Is taking a defensive lineman in the first an access want? Yes, it is, but in a year with so many holes and still some uncertainty among what players like Stephon Tuitt and Tyson Alualu will look like next season mixed with Davis’s potential make this a realistic option. His athleticism is immense, but he still has a lot of work to get done at a professional level. I’m not in love with this pick, but Davis could develop into one of the better linemen in the league.