Steelers Mock Draft: Pittsburgh reaches to fill remaining needs

Steelers mock draft round 2: CB Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson

The Steelers got the last piece of their linebacker room sorted out in Simpson, now they target a feisty slot cornerback with strong NFL bloodlines. Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson is just that, as he lacks the size to play on the outside at the pro level, but he plays hard and has the coverage skills to work the slot position.

The nephew of Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson, Hodges-Tomlinson likely won’t be the generational player that his uncle was, but he can carve out a career given his willingness to play the run and his athleticism in coverage. Despite being small, he throws himself around and makes an impact on defense.

Due to his lack of height, I have more of a third-round grade on Hodges-Tomlinson, but the lack of defined slot players in the draft forced the Steelers hands. He should have an early role on defense in the slot, and even if he doesn’t develop into an every-down player, he has the willingness to succeed in the pros.