Welcome to Pittsburgh Steelers mock draft mania. With only a few weeks left until the draft, I want to create a steady stream of content ahead of the big day in April.
We’ve seen the disaster that was taking a QB, what happens when the team focuses on the future, and when the team opts to finalize their secondary rebuild. Pittsburgh now makes a massive move to land a massive prospect.
I’m firmly in the camp of landing an offensive lineman in round one of this draft. Other positions are deep enough to warrant waiting on, so landing a top lineman is a smart move.
In order to get one of the top names, though, it costs the Steelers. However, it could pay massive dividends down the road for the team.
The Pittsburgh Steelers make a move for a top talent in the draft
Steelers trade with the Dolphins
The moment I see my target fall out of the top ten, I begin making calls on PFF's mock draft simulator. My goal is to only give one of our third-round picks plus some additional capital.
Miami plays hard to get, so I upped my offer to include a third, fourth, and fifth round pick. A steep price to pay, it still lets me address our other biggest needs. I get to run to the podium now to take one of my favorite players in this draft class.
Round 1 | Pick 11: Monroe Freeling, IOL, Georgia
Monroe Freeling is a freak offensive line prospect. He is gifted with great size and play strength in addition to good length and rare athleticism. He certainly looks the part of a top NFL lineman.
His tape is a different story. At times, he plays with dominance for the position and shuts down opposing pass rushers. However, his technique and footwork are raw, and his overall experience is light for a college player.
I think his best path to hit his ceiling is at guard. He is young enough to make that position switch, and the Steelers have a great offensive line coach to mold him. There will be a learning curve, but he could become a top guard in due time, given his traits.
Round 2 | Pick 53: Skyler Bell, WR, Connecticut
This feels a little rich for Skyler Bell, but I wanted to ensure I got a complimentary receiver for this room. With two bigger receivers, the team needs a shiftier guy who can run sharp routes, get open naturally, and make plays after the catch.
When Bell is catching the ball, he does just that. While the level of competition wasn’t great, you see the route running flash on tape. He can play inside and out, although his ability in the slot could provide the Steelers with a lot of value.
The second-round pick gives him some breathing room. Aaron Rodgers historically struggles to connect with rookie receivers, but a second pick gives him a runway to acclimate to the NFL. If he can keep his drops under control, he could be a dynamic weapon.
Round 3 | Pick 85: Anthony Hill, LB, Texas
The Steelers are drafting a linebacker, I’m just not sure how high. The third round feels like a sweet spot, as it maximizes the depth of this class and lands you a player who could still develop into a good starter.
Anthony Hill is just that. He can see the field early as a run-thumping presence and special teams player, given his hard playing style. He needs to get better as a coverage option, but he can easily step in as a full-time starter next year.
Round 3 | Pick 99: Markel Bell, OT, Miami
Double-dipping along the offensive line after trading up is a little rich, but with Freeling moving inside, I want to shore up the tackle room. Broderick Jones likely isn’t long for this team, and Dylan Cook is a wild card.
Markel Bell has a freakish build and excelled at left tackle in college. He can instantly be thrown into the left tackle competition. If given the time to develop, he could be a stout left tackle for the Steelers.
Round 4 | Pick 135: Jack Endries, TE, Texas
While tight end isn’t the biggest need, landing a player like Jack Endries this late is a great addition to this room. While not the biggest or fastest, he is a safe receiving option who could even take snaps at fullback if needed.
Round 6 | Pick 216: Jakobe Thomas, DB, Miami
The Steelers have shown some interest in Jakobe Thomas. I’m not a fan of waiting this long for a safety, but Thomas is a nice consolation prize. He does everything well but lacks an elite trait. He can provide depth and develop into a starter in time.
Round 7 | Pick 224: James Thompson, DL, Illinois
Another position I would have liked to draft earlier, James Thompson, is a fine consolation prize. He has the size this team likes, is a decent run defender, and flashes some juice as a pass rusher. He can take his first year to learn and add strength to his frame.
Round 7 | Pick 230: Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama
At one point in time, Domani Jackson was viewed as a potential first-round pick. His play last year was bad, and he was almost benched. A flyer this late, you are hoping that he can get back to form and exceed expectations.
Round 7 | Pick 237: Jalon Daniels, QB, Kansas
Jalon Daniels lacks the traits to become anything more than a decent backup. His ability to run and timing on passes could help him become a good second option, though. The Steelers feel settled on taking a quarterback, and while he doesn’t have a high ceiling, he could develop into an emergency plan.