The Steelers are starting to win some games and that has led to some interesting mock draft scenarios.
Up to this point in the season, the Steelers draft picks had been high up in the pecking order among all 32 teams in the NFL. Pittsburgh has been adding some wins to their season and that has now complicated matters. This franchise refuses to concede to losing ways and will try their best to stay competitive throughout the year. Their recent wins have pushed them further up the draft order for now, as the rest of the story still needs to be written.
There are almost too many needs to list for this roster that still has a lot of work ahead of it. Free agency could be an option to fill some holes, but it looks like the draft will be the biggest focus for the Steelers. Fans want the offensive line to be the main target, but if there is another position of need that falls with great value then it might leave some spectators rambunctious. This team needs quality players across the board as they look to complete a good club.
Joey Porter Jr. earns the Steelers first-round selection
1.14 Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
A prospect that checks off all the boxes is Joey Porter Jr. coming out of Penn State. He is a Junior coming out of college that has NFL bloodlines as his father is Joey Porter, the former outside linebacker with the Steelers. Pittsburgh loves guys like this that are local products that have shaped into great NFL talent. Even though the interceptions are not where many top corners would like to be at coming out of college, this player has been spectacular.
Porter has the perfect size that every NFL team is looking for in their number-one cornerback. The Steelers desperately need an upgrade at the position on the outside and Porter would allow that to happen. Dropping to the 14th pick did not allow Pittsburgh a chance at one of the top tackles, but they got a starter at cornerback that should secure that part of their secondary for years to come.
2.33 O’Cyrus Torrence, OG, Florida
Now is when the black and gold might take advantage of adding to their offensive trenches. They get O’Cyrus Torrence out of Florida after he slipped past the first round. He has been great since transferring from Louisiana just a year prior to being drafted.
Torrence would push Kevin Dotson for the starting job on day one and he should be able to pry it away. Left tackle is a major need this offseason, but do not be surprised if the Steelers feel that they can focus on guard first if the draft shakes out a certain way. Dotson’s contract will be up before Dan Moore Jr., plus the coaching staff seems to value the need at guard more.
2.44 Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland
Fans must wait until the second time around in the second round for Pittsburgh as they select a tackle out of Maryland. Mike Tomlin seems to love this program and the type of players that they produce with how many his team has selected. The Steelers take Jaelyn Duncan as a tackle that can come in and battle Moore for the starting left tackle spot.
Duncan is no perfect prospect, but he has the size and intangibles to become something special. It will take some growing pains along the way to see the potential of this prospect to be reached when it is all said and done. He will be the first project for the offensive line coach, and he could become a solid starter during his rookie season.
3.75 Chris Smith II, S, Georgia
One of the biggest question marks for the defense this offseason could be at strong safety. Terrell Edmunds and Damontae Kazee have their contracts expiring after this year. They both could be departing the team in free agency, which would leave depth and a starting spot abandoned.
The Steelers select Chris Smith II out of Georgia to slide into the starting spot and play alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick. Smith had a good season as a starter for the Bulldogs, but he does not have a long starting track record there. He will need to fill out his frame more and develop along the way like Edmunds did at the next level.
4.116 Tyler Davis, DT, Clemson
Welcome to the prospect of what if. Tyler Davis has been great when he is on the field, the issue has been that he has not been consistent enough. Injuries hampered his collegiate career at Clemson and that has sunk his draft stock to a late second day pick, or more likely a third day option.
The black and gold get a player that could be a steal if he could find different ways to condition his body better. Davis is a great defensive lineman when he is on the field so he and the team will need to find ways of keeping him healthy. He could turn into a steal for this defense, which will need to replenish the defensive line again this offseason.
7.188 Charlie Jones, WR, Purdue
Without any fifth or sixth round selections in this draft left, the Steelers must wait until the seventh to make some picks. They get started by selecting Charlie Jones out of Purdue, which he has only been there for a year since transferring. It’s been an interesting road for Jones as he started his career at Buffalo before going to Iowa and then finishing his career with Purdue.
It was a great season for him, which should get him a lot of draft buzz as the process plays out. He should be able to test well and that will catch the eyes of the Steelers scout in attendance. Receiver is not a desperate need, but they need some competition, especially if some of their depth pieces leave in free agency.
7.299 Nick Herbig, LB, Wisconsin
Welcome to the potential steal of the draft as not many linebackers have higher production than Nick Herbig. Pittsburgh selects him with their final pick in this mock draft as they search for impactful answers at depth outside linebacker. They find that here with Herbig, but he will need some work at the next level with filling out his frame.
When you get to this point in the draft, most players are going to be developmental players. The black and gold can use a guy like this that could turn into a solid third option behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. Herbig has immense potential at the next level that could turn into a starting role down the line.
The Steelers did not complete any trades in this mock draft, but they accomplished a lot. They were able to get positions of need filled while also making some valued selections.