Steelers Mock Draft: Targeting NFL Combine studs and defensive stars
By Andrew Falce
Trey Dean. 7. 526. . . Florida. DB. player
Steelers mock draft round 7: DB Trey Dean
The Steelers met with Trey Dean at the combine, and with so much uncertainty at the position ahead of free agency, I wouldn’t be shocked to see the team add a player there. While Dean has impressive size and some hard hits on tape, he is a very inconsistent player that lacks the proper technique to start right now.
He needs a lot of work, but he has the makings of a hard-hitting box safety if he can improve his zone coverage and decrease his missed tackles. His hard-hitting nature will make him a quick favorite for the team, and I would expect some good special teams play from him early. Once he gains some footing, he could work his way into a defensive role.
Arkansas. Matt Landers. . . 7. player. 524. WR
Steelers mock draft round 7: WR Matt Landers
I have said on numerous occasions that I want the Steelers to bring in a capable slot receiver to build out this room. Instead, I have them taking a flyer on a tall, lanky, athletic freak that can get vertical but lacks the nuances of the position. Frankly, I couldn’t pass it up here, as the team lacks a true deep threat.
Matt Landers was a bit of a journeyman in college, but he had his best statistical season with Arkansas last season. When given space, he can burn defensive backs. Unfortunately, he struggles just about everywhere else, as his route running is poor and he struggles to make contested catches. If he can develop some, he would be a great vertical threat for this offense.
Next. 5 NFL Combine studs who must be on the Steelers radar. dark
The Steelers focus on building out their trenches in this mock, as I think Weidl will stick to what he did with the Eagles when constructing this draft board. The team may also land some impact players with their defensive picks. Not every hole was filled, but this team would be stronger at its core if the draft fell like this.