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

Steelers round 3

With a receiver going in the second round, a third-round linebacker seems likely. A name that is quickly heating up is Wisconsin’s Leo Chenal. A big, throwback type of linebacker in the mold of Vince Williams, Chenal is a hefty run defender that can attack gaps and make plays in the backfield. He reads plays well and is aggressive after making his read.

Where Chenal has really earned a boost has been as an athlete. Despite being a bigger body and a more typical run-defender, Chenal has tested as an impressive athlete. He has gone from a day-three, two-down linebacker, to someone that has the potential to be more. Similarly to Watson, there is a real chance he has outperformed himself and will be gone before the third-round pick.

There are some severe limitations to his game right now. His coverage skills are bad right now in both man and zone assignments. That alone may keep his stock down, as he will need some time to develop his skills before being counted on as a three-down linebacker. Those flaws need to be remembered despite his great pre-draft testing so far.

In terms of what the Steelers need, both of their linebackers lacked the ability to aggressively fill gaps in run defense last season. This means Chenal has an instant path to defensive success, as he can be used as a two-down linebacker early in the process. Long-term, he will need to be developed as a coverage player in order for him to become a true starter. Even if he doesn’t develop in coverage, he can still be an effective run defense for this team.