The Pittsburgh Steelers enter this draft cycle with a clear and present need. While they have added a lot of depth options, their defensive line is still lacking.
They cut Larry Ogunjobi a few weeks ago- a wise move, considering his suspension and lack of elite play. However, his departure has left a huge hole at defensive end.
There are flexible ways to fill that hole. One option is drafting a natural end to take on that role. You can also get a competent nose tackle to allow Keeanu Benton to kick out to end, which is a more natural fit for his playstyle.
You also need an eventual Cameron Heyward replacement. While he should be here for another season or two, at his age, finding a competent replacement is a must.
While quarterback is still a hot topic for the team and the Steelers have shown a lot of interest in safeties. The defensive line can and should be the top priority in this deep draft class.
The goal in this mock draft? To finally fix the defensive line, both for this season and for future seasons.
Pittsburgh Steelers All-Defensive Line 7-Round Mock Draft
Steelers Mock Draft Round 1: Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss
A less common first round target for the Steelers, Walter Nolen has some of the better tape in this draft class. As both a run defender and pass rusher, he put up strong tape week over week in the SEC, playing against some of the best offensive lines in college.
He would provide an instant and violent starter for this defense. He has strengths as both a pass rusher and a run defender, and while he needs to get stronger, he has all the traits to be a good defensive lineman.
My main issue with him is his size. He is a little on the smaller side, with shorter arms. One has to wonder if he would be a better fit in a 4-3, but talent is talent, and Nolan is one of the best defensive line prospects in this draft class.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 3: Jordan Phillips, DL, Maryland
While you start to see a lot of the great natural ends dry up in the third round, the Steelers can still find a slew of role players or viable nose tackles. In the case of Jordan Phillips, he profiles as a great run stuffing nose tackle with the potential to be more down the road.
He has a short and compact frame that he uses to power through offensive linemen and disrupt plays. He excels at taking up space and shedding his man to make stops in the run game. Outside of power moves, though, his pass rush is lacking.
While Nolan can give you snaps as a starter right away, defensive linemen can take a while to get up to speed. Keeanu Benton gives you the flexibility to play him at nose tackle or end, so depending on the look or who is more ready to contribute, Phillips keeps the line malleable.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 4: Rylie Mills, DL, Notre Dame
Another defensive lineman? This class is too deep to ignore, and Rylie Mills is too good of a prospect to pass on at this point. He has the size and weight to be a great defensive end. While his arms are shorter, the team has been willing to compromise there.
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Mills should have been a borderline first round pick or early second round pick. He is an explosive pass rusher with a variety of moves at his disposal. His run defense is a little weaker, but it certainly isn’t a negative for him.
The reason for him falling this far is because of his late injury in the college playoffs. There are real questions on if he will be able to play early this season, and because of that his stock has dropped. Long-term though, he can be a rotational pass rusher and eventual starter.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 5: J.J. Pegues, DL, Ole Miss
The Steelers finally get an offensive weapon, sort of. J.J. Pegues is one of the most unique prospects in this draft class. He can play all over the defensive line and wear a lot of hats. He also served as the fullback for Ole Miss and was used as a short power back.
We have seen the league use these types of players successfully. Hybrid defensive line depth and offensive snaps as a fullback. On top of this, he can likely play on special teams and contribute there. He fills a lot of holes as a fifth-round pick.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 6: Ty Robinson, DL, Nebraska
While the starters have been completely revamped, better depth is still needed. Ty Robinson is a toned-down version of Mills. He lacks the top end traits to ever be a great starter. That said, he looks the part of a rotational option on defense.
It took him a while to find his footing at Nebraska, but he put together a strong season last year. He is a better run defender than pass rusher, and he fits the mold as a steady backup option for this defense.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 7: Thor Griffith, DL, Louisville
Thor Griffith is a throwback to another era of defensive linemen. He is short, stocky, and doesn’t do much but takes up space. He offers nothing as a pass rusher but can play as a nose tackle on run downs. He fills out the depth chart and could serve in a limited capacity early in his career.
I hope you noticed the date while reading this mock draft. While the Pittsburgh Steelers won’t only draft defensive linemen in this draft, this post, while tongue-in-cheek, shows just how deep this draft class is. The Steelers need to take advantage and build out this room both for this season and the future.