5 first-round mistakes the Steelers must avoid in the draft
By Andrew Falce
Steelers don’t monitor the Hamilton situation
Similar to an earlier scenario of this draft, the Steelers need to be aware of falling defensive talent and try to target a more elite prospect with their first pick as opposed to just settling elsewhere. There is no bigger name that is seemingly falling down draft boards than Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton.
At one point, Hamilton was seen as a potential first overall pick and a lock for the top five. Fast forward through his athletic testing and many are disappointed in the results. His straight-line speed and agility were average when most expected them to be elite. This has caused his stock to sink in recent weeks, and now there is a real chance he falls outside of the top ten picks in this draft class.
If you watch any film on Hamilton, you will notice that he tested slower than he plays. His instincts are elite, and he maximizes the athleticism he has to make big plays all over the field. No, I don’t think he will fall to pick 20 on his own, but if Hamilton takes one of the bigger draft-day slides, the Steelers need to be watching. A trade up five or so spots to snag him would be a huge win for this team. Having him and Minkah Fitzpatrick along with that front seven would be a dream defense.