With the NFL trade deadline come and gone, all of the Pittsburgh Steelers' focus can go into finishing this season strong. The question is just how far this team can go.
While the draft is still a long way off, we also have a clearer picture of what this team will need. With no last-minute additions, the general needs should remain consistent through the next offseason.
Some things seem certain right now: Aaron Rodgers seems likely to return for one final season. Jalen Ramsey has found a home at safety, and while expensive, I don’t think the Steelers move on from him next year. Guard is also likely to need a starter.
Quarterback is still needing a long-term solution, but this mock draft has them ignoring that need initially. Rodgers can go as the starter one last year, and a developmental option can learn behind him. This opens the door to fill some other needs.
Pittsburgh Steelers ignore a top quarterback in favor of secondary help
Steelers Mock Draft Round 1: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Despite numerous big-name additions to the cornerback room, the Steelers will likely need to add another big name next year. Darius Slay has been a general disappointment and won’t be back next year. Cory Trice has not proven to be able to stay healthy. With Ramsey now at safety, the team will need help next to Joey Porter Jr.
Avieon Terrell doesn’t fit the avatar mold this team has coveted at cornerback, as he is under six feet and listed at just 180 pounds. That said, his style of play would be welcome in Pittsburgh. He is talented in coverage and has a physical edge as a run defender that a lot of cornerbacks don’t have.
The question will be whether he can stick on the outside or if his size will force him into the slot. He has excelled on the outside in school, but he might struggle against bigger receivers. Brandon Echols will still be here, giving the defense flexibility. If Terrell can stick on the outside, Echols can stay in the slot, or vice versa.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 2: Sam Leavitt, QB, Arizona State
While the Steelers hold off on taking another first-round shot at quarterback, they land a perfect developmental fit in the second round.
While it seems like the stars had aligned for the Steelers to take a quarterback with a surplus of draft capital, a multitude of top prospects, and the draft itself being held in Pittsburgh, the options have dwindled. The top names are likely to be gone in the top ten picks, and Pittsburgh may not have enough picks to move up.
READ MORE: Steelers passed on big trades — and they might’ve made the smartest move
Settling for Leavitt isn’t a bad consolation prize. He is a perfect fit for this offense, as he does his best work on quick passes as well as on rollouts. That said, he has the arm strength to push the ball as well. His best trait may be his ball security, as he doesn’t expose the offense to too much risk when throwing the ball.
A foot injury has wiped out the remainder of his season, likely ending his hopes of being a first-round pick. He may opt to return to school, but if he doesn’t, Pittsburgh seems like a natural home. A year to fully heal and develop behind Rodgers would only help him.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 3: Darrell Jackson Jr., DL, Florida State
While the defensive line is no longer the biggest need like it was a year earlier, adding some more talent to this room is still a must. Cameron Heyward is entering his likely final season with the Steelers, while Keeanu Benton is entering a contract year. More talent and depth are always needed along the defensive line.
His size and length make him a natural fit in this defense as an end. His explosive ability and power also flash on tape. He can serve as an aid in run defense early and a developmental pass rusher as he needs to add a few more moves to his repertoire.
On the downside, he is a hot-and-cold player, and many have questioned his conditioning. He disappears for long stretches of games, which is disappointing. For a third-round pick, he has the potential to be a starter if he can put everything together with the floor of a decent rotational piece.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 3: Charles Jagusah, IOL, Notre Dame
A carryover from my last mock draft, I couldn’t fit a guard in earlier in this mock, so I will stick with the developmental upside of Charles Jagusah. He has everything in his tool belt to become a dominant blocker at the next level.
That said, he is extremely raw. His technique is poor, and he will need to be paired with a good coach to get the most out of him. He can battle Spencer Anderson for the starting job, and at worst, he can be a backup while bettering his game.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 3: Eric Singleton Jr., WR, Auburn
Receiver could be a bigger need than this, depending on how Roman Wilson develops this year. Calvin Austin is a pending free agent, and if he doesn’t return, the second option next to D.K. Metcalf is a big question mark.
Eric Singleton won’t fix those issues on his own, but he has blazing speed and runs sharp routes. His size may limit him to slot work, but he can become a good piece to a passing offense.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 4: Austin Romaine, LB, Kansas State
Linebacker shouldn’t be a massive need next year with Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson both under contract. That said, this team values depth, and it feels like a non-need always gets taken higher than expected.
Austin Romaine is a classic thumper as a linebacker. His run defense is excellent, and he has the makings of a special teams ace due to his athleticism. If he can’t develop as a coverage player, he will be stuck in a two-down/special teamer role, but that floor and ceiling are worth it in this range.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 4: Jalen Stroman, DB, Notre Dame
Safety will likely be overturned on the back end, as the various veterans that were brought in have been lackluster. Ramsey and DeShon Elliott will be your starters, Kyle Duggar could prove his worth as the third safety, and beyond that, the rest of the room is questionable.
Jalen Stroman has NFL bloodlines and good size. He has position flexibility, although his athletic limitations may force him to play closer to the line. That said, he would be a good backup with potential on special teams.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 5: Justin Jolly, TE, North Carolina State
While the tight end room is extremely deep right now, it could all change next year. Connor Heyward is a pending free agent, and while his return isn’t impossible, the team could also draft his replacement. Jonnu Smith and/or Pat Freiermuth could also be shown the door.
Justin Jolly fits the mold as a versatile H-Back/tight end. He is a great possession receiver but struggles against top coverage players due to a lack of speed. His blocking is also poor. He has the makings of a fine backup with some position flexibility.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 5: Kage Casey, OT, Boise State
One of the biggest shifts in this mock draft is the lessened need for an offensive tackle. Troy Fautanu is playing at a high level, while Broderick Jones has also taken some steps forward. At the bare minimum, but can be expected back as starters next year.
Kage Casey has good size and decent technique. He has the makings of a swing tackle at the next level.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 6: Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama
The upside of having 12 picks in the draft is that you get 12 dart throws at finding good talent. On the downside, it can also lead to you drafting players that don’t have great odds of making the final roster.
Domani Jackson has a good frame and decent traits in coverage to serve as depth at outside cornerback. That said, he would have to carve out a role on special teams to make this team.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 6: Mark Fletcher Jr., RB, Miami
Jaylen Warren has entrenched himself as the starter while Kaleb Johnson figures to continue to grow into his role as a former third-round pick. Kenneth Gainwell could return after a good start to his Steelers career, but a power back could still be used.
Mark Fletcher gives off some Benny Snell vibes. A powerful college runner who can serve as a backend depth option and can handle a workload if ever needed. He is a fun bruiser to watch and would give this team the big back they like to have on the roster.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 7: Eric O’Neill, EDGE, Rutgers
The Steelers love their edge depth (finally), and a player like Eric O’Neill would make a lot of sense. An older prospect, O’Neill is refined as a pass rusher, but his athleticism and age cap his upside.
He can be a situational pass rusher early on due to his experience and a core special teams player on the backend. Again, with so many picks, you can certainly splurge on a position that should remain deep for at least one more season.