The NFL Combine wrapped up this weekend, and like every year we now have an impressive list of athletes to target for the draft. The Pittsburgh Steelers and 31 other teams saw these young men put it all on the line while also having the chance to formally and informally meet with some of the prospects while in Indianapolis.
For the Steelers, our trail of breadcrumbs only continues to grow now.
Meeting with the team in Indiana is always a sign of interest. While it isn’t always necessary (the team tends to meet with players they couldn’t talk to at shrine bowls), seeing an interview means you are on their radar.
Likewise, the Steelers have been fans of drafting athletes as of late. A strong combine could cement your status as a draft target for this team.
Once again I am following the breadcrumbs of what positions the team is interested in, who they have spoken to, and who lit it up athletically this past weekend. Putting it all together, here is my post combine mock draft.
Pittsburgh Steelers post-NFL Combine 7-round mock draft
Steelers Mock Draft Round 1: Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon
A popular name being linked to the Steelers and for good reason, Derrick Harmon has all of the makings of a great defensive end for this team and an eventual Cameron Heyward replacement. He fits the size profile almost perfectly, and he tested well. Add in a strong game overall as both a run and pass defender and you have a solid prospect.
It is no secret that the Steelers are all about defensive linemen this offseason. As they have been with the offensive tackles that past two seasons, Pittsburgh doesn’t hide who they want to target with their top pick. It seems like the defensive line is the early front-runner.
Harmon can be an instant starter across from Heyward and replace Larry Ogunjobi’s snaps. While I have questions as to what his ceiling is, his floor seems high, and he can play right away for this defense with the potential to be a good starter for a long time.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 2: Tyler Booker, IOL, Alabama
My biggest blindside callout, rumors were swirling heavily at the combine that the investments along the offensive line aren’t over, and it could even be the team’s first-round pick. I’ve been on board this train of thought, constantly mocking guards in the middle portion of the draft.
Having used PFF’s simulator for this mock draft and knowing that the interest is still there, Tyler Booker was impossible to pass on in the second round. A mountain of a man who moves well, Booker is plug-and-play ready at guard and should have a long career as a quality interior powerhouse.
For the Steelers, he can instantly compete with Mason McCormick as a rookie, and both can be expected to start next year after Isaac Seumalo leaves. This team is dedicated to their trenches, and Booker would be a force to be reckoned with if he were added to this line.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 3: RJ Harvey, RB
Just like you can pencil in a guard selection, it also seems like a foregone conclusion that this team is taking a mid-round running back. They have shown interest in the bulk of this class, and the sweet spot seems like anywhere between the 2nd and 4th round.
While the team didn’t meet with Harvey at the combine, they showed a lot of interest in him before that. His numbers popped when he tested, showing the speed and burst that made him a home-run threat at UCF.
You aren’t getting a workhorse starter, but instead, you are adding a great compliment to the backfield who can break off long runs. In a committee with Jaylen Warren, he could provide a potent second punch and help boost a lackluster rushing game.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 4: Tory Horton, WR
Wide receiver is either a first-round pick or a middle-round option, and a lot of that depends on what happens in free agency. Likewise, defensive line is the first-round target right now though, so we find a middle-round receiver to compliment this room.
Tory Horton is a jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none type of player. He is an adequate athlete with adequate size and decent route running. He can win deep or short depending on what the coverage is, and he was productive in school and should continue that at the next level.
He won’t be a top receiver in an offense. I’m not even sure if he will be a second option, but he will provide value as depth and a tough man to match up on as depth. He would be a solid addition to this receiver room that was lacking quality options last year.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 5: Danny Stutsman, LB
The Steelers met with Danny Stutsman at the combine, and looking over his tape and strengths it makes a lot of sense. While the team doesn’t need linebacker help desperately, a quality fourth option that can be groomed to replace Elandon Roberts while starting off on special teams would be a smart addition.
Stutsman would be just that. He is a great run defender who uses his athleticism to blow plays up. His coverage game is lacking, but he has the makings of a good two-down linebacker who can be a core contributor on special teams.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 7: Ty Robinson, DL
There is a really great argument that the Steelers should double-dip at defensive line given the depth and talent there this year. While the Steelers need a solid defensive end option, they could also use depth there as well as some nose tackle help. Ty Robinson fits in as a base end, but he was too good of value to pass up here.
He tested well as an athlete, but there are some questions about his production in school. As well, his short arms are a bit of a concern, but his height and weight are what this team has targeted in late-round defensive linemen. He can compete for a depth role initially and try to carve out a role on special teams.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 7: Johnny Walker, EDGE
It seems like the Steelers are doing some homework on day three edge rushers with the hope that they will find a potential fourth option for their room. I settled on Johnny Walker out of Mizzori as a fit given his size and production.
Despite a successful career he seems to be viewed as a late pick or even an undrafted option. That said, he found different ways to sack the quarterback in school and could carve out a role as a reserve edge rusher and special teams player.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 7: Bryson Nesbit, TE
An atypical tight end for the Steelers, Bryson Nesbit is more of an oversized receiver than a traditional tight end. Unfortunately for his game, his hands are inconsistent, but he knows how to find the soft spot of defense and turn upfield for decent gains.
Pittsburgh showed some interest in him at the combine, and for an offense that wants to use multi-tight end sets, he can provide something different from what they have. As a blocker, he will need to improve drastically to be at all effective there.