Steelers mock draft: Pittsburgh reaches to fill biggest needs

Steelers mock draft round 6 (via Chiefs): DT Neil Farrell Jr.

The Steelers have gotten away from the big, run-stuffing defensive tackles in the past and have opted for some leaner, quicker players who can get upfield over the past several years. However, after having the league’s worst run defense in 2021, they may be reconsidering their approach on the defensive line.

Obviously, I think a lot of their issues in run defense could have been avoided if Stephon Tuitt played last season or if Tyson Alualu didn’t spend 15 games on IR. Sadly, there’s no guarantee Tuitt will return to the field this season, and Alualu is going to be a 35-year-old defensive tackle coming off a season-ending injury.

Neil Farrell Jr. tested as a horrible athlete and is probably never going to offer much in terms of pass rush. He’s your typical old-school, two-down nose tackle who can plug running lanes and help out the team in goal-line formations. His situational play is what could cause him to fall to the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

At 6’4 1/8” and 330 pounds, Farrell would instantly offer a stout presence along the defensive line, and moving him from his stop is a chore for offensive linemen. The Steelers need a nose tackle who can eat up space and free up linebackers to make plays, and Pittsburgh’s brass was at his Pro Day. I would expect there to be some interest here.