We are roughly two weeks away from the first round of the NFL Draft starting up. It is going to be a weekend full of players having their NFL dreams become reality. Some will hear their names called, while others will have to wait until undrafted free agency to get their opportunity. The Steelers have been active during the pre-draft process once again.
They have shown their cards to a certain extent, and they will be targeting certain positions. Pittsburgh has certain voids on their roster to fill but luckily for them, they still have time to fix those issues. This mock draft allowed them to get quality value, especially early on as they targeted holes on the offensive side of the ball.
Steelers mock draft round 1: Graham Barton, C, Duke
The Steelers go with Graham Barton in this mock draft with their first-round selection. They have shown some pre-draft interest in this prospect, but if it was another year, he might not be considered too much. Most of the first-round outcome will depend on how the picks in front of Pittsburgh play out. They go with a center here after the top cornerbacks and tackles fly off the board.
Barton has played all over the offensive line during his time in college, but many project him as a starting center in the NFL. He might be the most athletic and ready to start out of the centers coming out of college. He is a good pick at 20th overall and should start over Nate Herbig at center. Pittsburgh gets one of the biggest needs out of the way first.
Steelers mock draft round 2: JC Latham, OT, Alabama
Something crazy happened in this mock draft and allowed Pittsburgh to get a starting right tackle in the second round. There are a few names that many project around this spot, but Many can't fathom JC Latham lasting until the second round of the upcoming draft. If anything, most believe the Steelers will select a right tackle in round one, and a center in round two.
The exact opposite happened in this simulation, and it was an easy decision to take Latham here. We know that his draft stock continues to sink as many have questioned his work ethic. He didn't do much pre-draft work either. He could result in a Dawand Jones fall if he isn't careful. This would be quality value for the black and gold in the second round.
Steelers mock draft round 3: Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky
Taking a receiver in round two is not out of the question. The Steelers have made it their bread and butter to take a receiver on day two of the draft and turn them into quality starters on a routine basis. Many think Malachi Corley could be a second-round choice, but he slips to the third round for Pittsburgh. It is not crazy to imagine him ending up around this pick.
He is more of a Deebo Samuel-type. He is a tough and physical receiver who can play inside and outside. More than likely, Corley will end up playing more inside throughout his career, with different gadget plays going in his direction. He is another quality value player here who will be an instant impact player for their offense.
Steelers mock draft round 3: Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, S, Texas Tech
Trying to find a competent starter in the slot on defense is something the Steelers need to accomplish. They currently have no options on the roster right now. They could bring back either Chandon Sullivan or Patrick Peterson if they fail to take a slot guy in the draft. They were able to take one with their extra third-round selection in this mock draft.
Dadrion Taylor-Demerson is technically a safety, but he has played all over the secondary during his time at Texas Tech. One of those spots was at slot cornerback. His position flexibility has caused his draft stock to soar to new heights. This selection rounds out a strong first two days of the draft for the black and gold as they fill holes on their roster.
Steelers mock draft round 4: McKinnley Jackson, DT, Texas A&M
We know that the Steelers have shown pre-draft interest in the defensive line group coming out of college. They seem like they could take a defensive lineman on day two if certain things transpire. They were not able to this time around, so they had to wait until the fourth round to address the need. They go with McKinnley Jackson out of Texas A&M.
He is someone who missed time throughout his college career due to injury and suspension. He will need to develop further in the NFL, but he was able to show a lot of good things both in college and at the Senior Bowl. Jackson would be another raw athlete coming out of Texas A&M who the Steelers would be gambling on much like DeMarvin Leal was.
Steelers mock draft round 6: Luke McCaffrey, WR, Rice
Mike Tomlin loves football families, and that is exactly why Luke McCaffrey is on their radar heading into the draft. He projects as a day-three prospect who could develop into a quality starter at the next level. He is extremely raw as a receiver coming out of Rice as he used to play quarterback. He has only been a receiver for a handful of years, and that will knock him back a few rounds.
Despite his new position, he shows a lot of good qualities that many want to see at the next level. McCaffrey is the brother of star 49ers running back Chrisitan McCaffrey, and son of former NFL player Ed McCaffrey. The Steelers have met with this receiver multiple times during the pre-draft process, and they might have a plan on double dipping at the receiver.
Steelers mock draft round 6: Mariust Liufau, LB, Notre Dame
Patrick Queen was the big signing in free agency for the Steelers, but linebacker remains a need. Elandon Roberts will likely start next to Queen as Cole Holcomb works his way back from injury. The issue is that Roberts is a pending free agent, and he will likely not return after this season barring some sort of change between now and next offseason.
Mariust Liufau is the choice here to round out this mock draft. Pittsburgh will be selecting an inside linebacker in the draft, but it's just a matter of when and not if. They have a ton of holes to fill, but the addition of Queen could push this one back. Liufau is a speedy linebacker who is light in weight. He is a young prospect coming out of college who needs development at the next level.