Steelers mock draft: QB of the future added and depth filled

Steelers round 3

After ignoring safety in the first two rounds, the Steelers have to grab one before the end of day two. While adding one this late likely means some time on the bench to develop, it will be a well-needed addition to this roster. A name like Nick Cross will be popular for two primary reasons: his insane athletic testing and his Maryland connection to Mike Tomlin’s son.

Cross looks every bit as athletic on tape as he does from his results. He is like a heat-seeking missile once he reads a play and can move from sideline to sideline efficiently. He lacks the coverage ability you would want in a safety right now, and some of his reads are mistimed, but he can use his size and speed to make plays at every level for a defense.

The issue is his reads and his coverage, as both are well below average and will need significant work. He honestly would have benefited from an extra year in school, but that doesn’t mean he can’t develop. Taking him poses some risk, and his defensive involvement early should be limited. That means Karl Joseph/another free agent will need to be brought in. That said, the sky is the limit for Cross if he can develop at the next level.