Steelers Mock Draft: Senior Bowl sparks massive investments in the trenches

An underrated prospect in Jaden Hicks becomes the future at safety

There are many different prospects in the top rounds at safety that will interest the Steelers. One name to monitor is Tykee Smith out of Georgia, but taking a safety that early might be too risky. One thing is for sure, the Steelers need to find long-term solutions at safety. Minkah Fitzpatrick had to change his role since the others on the roster were disappointed.

He did a good job there when healthy, but the Steelers need more options. Jaden Hicks might be the best option available left in the draft at the point of this pick. We know that Hicks has a great frame to fill the strong safety spot that has struggled in consistency since Terrell Edmunds left the team. This is another position that could see a lot of changes.

Both Damontae Kazee and Keanu Neal did not work out as a trio look with Fitzpatrick. Most of that was because of health issues and a suspension. Even when they were healthy, this safety group was not the answer. It might be the best option for the Steelers to cut one or both of Kazee and Neal this offseason. Maybe only one will be let go since the Steelers will probably want a veteran there.

Free agency could be a good option but someone like Hicks is a physical player that knows how to play the game the right way. The draft would be tricky to get a starting safety this late, but Hicks should be able to come in and challenge for the spot next to Fitzpatrick. Hicks has everything that the Steelers will be looking for in their next starting safety.