Welcome to Pittsburgh Steelers mock draft mania. With only a few weeks left until the draft, I want to create a steady stream of different mock draft scenarios ahead of the big day in April.
For this first scenario, we see the Steelers tackle their biggest remaining need. We haven’t heard from Aaron Rodgers, and as of now, the only quarterbacks on the roster are a middling Mason Rudolph and a complete unknown in Will Howard.
So, Pittsburgh goes after their quarterback in the first round to take another crack at their franchise option. In turn, they work to completely reshape their offense around his strengths.
Pittsburgh Steelers mock draft have them take their shot at quarterback
Round 1 | Pick 21: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Despite the need at quarterback, there is no guarantee the Steelers attack the position in this draft. If they do, however, they will almost certainly take Ty Simpson.
The Alabama quarterback had a prolific rise this year, as his early play was dominant. He faded down the stretch, though, and his end of the season was littered with mistakes.
If the Steelers feel like they need to draft a quarterback (they shouldn’t), then it would have to be Simpson. No other quarterback matches his blend of potential with pro-readiness. That said, I don’t love the selection as I don’t see a high ceiling for Simpson.
You also have to build your offense around him, which was built around shorter and quick timing passes with less efficient deep passing numbers. As such, the rest of this draft will have to be reflected in his strengths.
Round 2 | Pick 53: Gennings Dunker, OL, Iowa
While I think you could get some deceptively good play out of Spencer Anderson and Brock Hoffman, you want your new top investment to have elite blocking. Gennings Dunker can provide all of that and early on in his career.
While a college tackle, his lack of athleticism will force him inside, as he gets beaten too often by speed rushers. His play strength and nasty demeanor fit along the inside, though, and he could carve out a long career as a guard.
I do think the ceiling is limited, but his floor is high. He can plug and play instantly for this offense and keep Simpson protected.
Round 3 | Pick 76: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
Simpson needs a guy who can catch passes quickly and make something afterwards. Zachariah Branch is the perfect type of player to fit that role.
The undersized pass catcher will need a clear role at the next level and a scheme designed to creatively get the ball in his hands. He provides a different type of weapon for Simpson to use, though.
Round 3 | Pick 85: Kamari Ramsey, DB, USC
With the offense getting the first three picks of the draft, attention turns to the defense. While it would be nice to add to some of the other weaker positions, the team can just add a safety as they try to build out the offense.
Kamari Ramsey is a great free safety prospect. Given the bodies in the room, having another free safety type is important. Long-term, he can replace Jalen Ramsey and provide a deep coverage option for this team.
Round 3 | Pick 99: Markel Bell, OT, Miami
It is rare to find a tackle the size of Markel Bell that plays at such a high level at a major school. It is even rarer for that tackle to thrive on the left side of the line. Bell has some warts and rawness to his game, but his potential is sky-high.
Broderick Jones is a question mark in terms of health (and even if he is back, he only has one more year on his deal). Dylan Cook looked good in limited action, but banking on him with no insurance is foolish with a rookie quarterback at the helm.
Round 4 | Pick 121: Tacario Davis, CB, Washington
Cornerback is no longer the biggest need on the roster. That said, additional depth is always welcome. Tacario Davis is raw as a coverage option, but he has size that you can’t teach. He can play special teams and serve as depth initially with the top of the cornerback room set.
Round 4 | Pick 135: Marlin Klein, TE, Michigan
With two established tight ends in front of him, the Steelers can afford to take a shot with Marlin Klein. The German-born product flashed, but his whole game is raw. He has the size and potential to be a good receiver and solid blocker in time, though.
Round 5 | Pick 161: Jeff Caldwell, WR, Cincinnati
The Steelers added a smaller slot option earlier, and now they take a swing at a height-weight-speed option in Jeff Caldwell. He is completely raw as a prospect, but he tested as an amazing athlete with rare size. He is well worth the gamble at this point in the draft.
Round 6 | Pick 216: Deven Eastern, DL, Minnesota
I wanted to get a defensive lineman early in the draft, but the cards didn’t play out with the focus on offense early in the class. Deven Eastern has the body type that the Steelers covet. He can sit and develop for a year as a reserve.
Round 7 | Pick 224: Eric Gentry, LB, USC
Linebacker was another position I wanted to address earlier (and I fully expect them to on draft night). They got a low-risk option in Carson Bruener late last year. Now they get a unique body type in the nearly 6’7" Eric Gentry. Can they figure out how to use them is the question.
Round 7 | Pick 230: Roman Hemby, RB, Indiana
With a surplus of picks, the Steelers can afford to take a running back despite it not being a huge need. Roman Hemby can do a bit of everything, and if Kaleb Johnson continues to falter, he could replace him.
Round 7 | Pick 237: Max Bredeson, FB, Michigan
Rounding out the draft is another Michigan tight end-type, although Max Bredeson projects as a fullback at the pro level. He is your classic lead blocker who can hold his own on special teams.