The Steelers have been active in their annual pro day tour as they look to get more one on one time with some draft targets. There has been a lot of movement in and out of the steel city with the number of moves that the black and gold have done. The draft is just the next piece of the puzzle to try and field the best roster possible by the time the regular season begins.
TRADE: Steelers receive picks 22 and 86. Ravens receive pick 17.
Pick 17 comes by and there are a ton of interesting options left on the table for the Steelers to choose from. An unsuspecting call comes to Pittsburgh as the Ravens want to move up to select a prospect. With the top three tackles off the board, the black and gold swing a deal with their long-lasting rivals. This trade back of five spots allows them some more flexibility on day two of the event as they add another third-round selection to their arsenal.
Steelers mock draft round 1: CB Christian Gonzalez
It would be jaw dropping if Christian Gonzalez even made it remotely close to the Steelers selection at 17, let alone a trade back to 22. He is the best cornerback in this draft class overall, but this simulation was not kind to him. He slid the whole way to Pittsburgh's pick somehow. This franchise would be over the moon with excitement after night one with this scenario playing out.
Not many personnel attended the Oregon pro day when it happened. It is uncommon for the Steelers to draft someone on the first night without having met with the player during their respective pro-day workout. That would all change this time around because Pittsburgh likely does not believe that they have a realistic shot at getting this player. His talents would be too hard to pass up, and that would allow for the black and gold to make an exception to their rule.
Steelers mock draft round 2: OT Dawand Jones
One of the top names to watch heading into the draft for the Steelers is Dawand Jones. The mammoth at offensive tackle checks off a ton of boxes when you look into what Pittsburgh prioritizes in their top draft choices. Not only did the top brass attend Ohio State's pro day, but they also had dinner with Jones and some of his teammates.
It was surprising that this prospect was still available at pick 32, as he has been rising draft boards for a while now. Fans should expect this player to be a top candidate in round one for the black and gold depending on how the night plays out. He would be a nice upgrade at tackle and should get the first crack at starting in the left tackle slot.
Steelers mock draft round 2: DT Calijah Kancey
Not many personnel of the Steelers made the short walk over to the Pitt facilities for their recent pro day. There are some interesting prospects to monitor that could be solid options for Pittsburgh to keep in house. One name to keep a close eye on is Calijah Kancey. He has been testing off the charts and should be a solid pass rusher at the next level.
Even though the black and gold are searching for a nose tackle that can also help with the depth across the defensive line, passing on Kancey here would be crazy. Many project him as a first round pick or early second round choice at the latest. He is a solid player that would add some great youth to the trenches.
Steelers mock draft round 3: LB Henry To'oTo'o
A couple of linebackers were signed in free agency, but that should not detract the black and gold from adding to the position through the draft. Plenty of the top personnel of the Steelers were in attendance for the Alabama pro day. Brian Branch got most of the attention, but do not let that distract you from the different prospects coming out of that program.
Henry To'oTo'o is the selection here as the undersized linebacker should be able to join the group and provide something that it is missing. The biggest knock on this player is his size, but he does possess better athleticism in defending the pass than others currently signed to the team. Both Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts will take the immediate pressure off To'oTo'o, but he should be able to come onto the field in passing situations.
Steelers mock draft round 3: OC Luke Wypler
The black and gold are doing a lot of homework on different center options in this draft class. Mason Cole will be the starter this season but do not be surprised if they take one this year. Cole will be the starter, but he is only signed for another season before becoming a free agent again.
Taking Luke Wypler here allows them to upgrade the interior of the offensive line and push Cole for the starting center spot. The Steelers also dinned with Wypler at the same time that they ate with Jones and his other teammates at Ohio State. Taking Wypler here only adds more depth and competition to the center position, which will hopefully be anchored for the foreseeable future.
Steelers mock draft round 4: S Ji'Ayir Brown
Safety has become an increasing need since Terrell Edmunds departed the team for the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency. The Steelers sent every important person to the Penn State pro day besides the GM and head coach. Joey Porter Jr. got a lot of the press but keep a close eye on Ji'Ayir Brown. He is a solid option for what the black and gold will be looking for to replace Edmunds.
Steelers mock draft round 7: QB Malik Cunningham
Adding a quarterback at some point in the draft seems like a near lock at this point. The Steelers always go into the regular season with three signal callers on their depth chart. That will not change this time around and they select one of the most explosive quarterbacks in college football. Malik Cunningham is an exciting playmaker both with his feet and letting the rock hang in the air.
Steelers mock draft round 7: EDGE Durell Nchami
Many believe that Bud Dupree could be reuniting with the Steelers at any moment, and that would take away this need. Perhaps still drafting an edge rusher would be a wise decision to push the bottom of the roster guys in the pre-season process.
Durell Nchami is the last selection here as he is a perfect size for what the black and gold look for in their outside linebackers. His production at Maryland is low, but it would not be a draft if Mike Tomlin did not express some interest in that college.