Steelers Mock Draft: Pittsburgh reaches to fill remaining needs

Steelers mock draft round 1: LB Trenton Simpson

Trenton Simpson should not be going this early, in my humble opinion. While he has a lot of fun tape, he lacks a defined position, and we have seen those players struggle to find a home in the NFL.

No one should be questioning his athleticism, as he tested as a freak athlete for the linebacker position. Some even think that he could transition to a box safety given his size and athletic traits. Add in his coverage, which is his best trait as a player, and you have an intriguing fit.

He wore a lot of hats at Clemson and was successful in a variety of roles, but a lack of a defined position has hampered him. He never developed completely into a linebacker and his run defense shows. While he can play sideline to sideline, he doesn’t always anticipate well and it can cost him. He also struggles to take on blocks and plays better in space.

While the Steelers have added a pair of free-agent linebackers, they are lacking that coverage-specific player. Simpson fits that mold and the team has some interest in him given their attendance at Clemson and the dinner they took him out for.

To be clear, I would define this as a reach, but that hasn’t stopped the Steelers before. They have a clear need at linebacker and Simpson fills that void. I’d prefer a lineman on either side of the field in the first, but this team seems poised to target a coverage linebacker at some point in the draft.