Steelers Mock Draft: Steelers build for future playoff success

Steelers mock draft round 6: Gabe Hall, DE, Baylor

I would love for the Steelers to land a prototypical defensive end in this draft class, as I think their defense is missing it. Cameron Heyward is another year older and can’t be counted on for many more seasons. Keeanu Benton was arguably the best rookie from the team’s class, but he profiles as a hybrid nose tackle that can also play on the end. Larry Ogunjobi has been a disappointment since joining the team.

Unfortunately, this draft class doesn’t have a lot of the classic Steelers defensive ends. Most of the options are shorter, lighter, penetrating interior options, and we haven’t seen great success from those types with the Steelers. With this being a sixth-round pick, I decided to find someone who fits the type and hope to develop them.

Gabe Hall is just that player, as he measures in at 6’6 and roughly 290 pounds. He wasn’t extremely productive at Baylor, but he has all of the potential to develop into something for this defense. He is a freak athlete for his size, has extremely good strength for a lineman, and plays extremely hard when on the field.

He lacks any sort of technique, but if given the time to work through his kinks, he has starter potential. He seems to be a boom-or-bust player. If he can’t refine his game, he likely won’t make it long in the league. That said, I’m willing to take that kind of risk in the sixth round.