Steelers mock draft: Pittsburgh digs their heels in for a cornerback early

Steelers mock draft round 4: EDGE/DL Mike Morris

After taking somewhat of a tweener in the third round last year with defensive lineman, DeMarvin Leal, the Pittsburgh Steelers elect to go a similar route with Michigan’s Mike Morris. Morris is considered an edge defender, but at 6’6” and 292 pounds, Teryl Austin would have the flexibility to use him in multiple roles on defense.

Morris is a powerful pass edge player who could potentially kick inside on passing downs at the next level and rush the quarterback from the interior. These long athletes are becoming coveted players in today’s game, and the Steelers could use another stout body to help stop the run and rush the passer.

This selection, in addition to Leal and Gervon Dexter in the second round, would give Pittsburgh a full rotation of young, long defensive lineman who can hold up at the point of attack. The best part is that Morris would be able to anchor at the edge defender position on early downs in an effort to keep T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith fresh when it comes to rushing the passer.

Morris is bigger than the typical edge defender this team typically goes for, but he has some interesting traits and is from a school the Steelers love to target players from.