With the biggest moves from free agency already settled, the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in the unenviable position of a rudderless boat. The Aaron Rodgers dilemma still looms large, and you can’t pinpoint the direction of this team until the quarterback room is settled.
For this three round mock draft, we push Rodgers aside and make a big move to acquire our potential quarterback of the future.
I’m tired of the constant back and forth with Rodgers, and like most fans, I want this drama to end. Personally, I loathe the idea of signing him, but the worst case scenario is him making this team wait as he decides what is best for his future.
A three round mock draft seems light for a team that sent it’s second round pick to the Seahawks earlier this offseason. With quarterback being a tough justification at pick 21 though, I have the Steelers moving back in this mock draft to recoup some capital and still take their quarterback.
Pittsburgh Steelers make major trade in 3-round mock draft
The Eagles move up to replenish their defensive line with Walter Nolan, while the Steelers get picks 32, 64, and a fourth round pick next year. With the last pick of the first round, Pittsburgh takes another shot at landing their quarterback of the future.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 1: Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
While I personally loathe the idea of taking a quarterback in this draft class, the Steelers always claim that they are ready to contend for a Super Bowl. While I think Mason Rudolph can help lead this team to a typical season (a winning record, playoff berth, and early exit), a proud Steelers team will want to add another option to turn to.
That is where Jaxson Dart could help out. Analysts are torn about who the third-best quarterback in this class is. Dart has his fans, and he seems to be moving into the late first-round conversation, but you also have people claiming Tyler Shough or Will Howard will claim that spot.
Dart has the most potential out of all three of them, and his ceiling is higher than even Shedur Sanders. He has all of the arm talent that you want in a starting quarterback, as well as enough mobility to move around the pocket.
The issue is the scheme he ran in college (Lane Kiffin quarterbacks have struggled to produce in the NFL) as well as his ability to read a defense. He will need a quarterback friendly system at first to develop, and even then it might not be enough to keep him as a top quarterback.
He is young though, so he can still develop. He is a boom-or-bust player, but for a team that is lacking in the quarterback room, making a big swing with Dart (while also landing an extra second round pick) could be the teams plans.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 2: Alfred Collins, DL, Texas
Defensive line is the current favorite position for the team to target in round one, and while they go in a different direction here, they still are quick to add Alfred Collins in round two.
READ MORE: Steelers take frightening QB swing in boom-or-bust 7-round mock draft
On paper, it looks like Collins was built in a lab for a 3-4 defense. He has the perfect height and length, and while he could shed a little weight, it isn’t a huge concern. He is already a great run defender who can open up lanes for other defenders while also using his power to disrupt rushing plays.
I’ve cooled off on Collins slightly due to his age and lack of pass rush ability. While he could take a step or two forward, given the fact he is an older prospect, he likely won’t ever be a dynamic pass rusher. That said, there is still a need for capable run defenders along a defensive line.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 3: Savion Williams, WR, TCU
Going in a different direction here, but unless you are confident that the Steelers are keeping George Pickens this year, receiver is still a possibility. Based on the names that they are showing interest in, a receiver in the third round is a possibility.
Savion Williams is a different beast as a receiver. While he has great size and tested well as an athlete, he lacks the refinement of a true starting receiver. TCU used him as an after the catch option, allowing him to make guys miss and run over smaller defenders.
He can also handle some carries, given his contact balance as a runner. He needs to be game planned for, especially early on until he becomes a better route runner, but in an offense full of vertical weapons, Williams can do some damage underneath and in unique ways. If Pickens is traded, he offers something unique to this offense.