The Steelers shock the NFL with their first pick in this seven-round mock draft

Round 1 - Pick 17 - Nolan Smith, LB/Edge, Georgia

The Steelers shock everyone here, passing up the likes of CB Joey Porter, Jr, OT Darnell Wright, and WR Jordan Addison to select a potential hybrid linebacker in Smith, who played mostly on the edge in Athens. Despite missing the end of last season with a torn pec, Smith has off-the-charts athleticism and could make the move to inside linebacker to give the Steelers their next Ryan Shazier-type player.

Check out these athletic comparisons between the two, per RAS. football: Height- Smith (6-2), Shazier (6-1); Weight- Smith (238), Shazier (237); 40- Smith (4.39), Shazier (4.38); Vertical Jump- Smith (41.5), Shazier (42); Broad Jump- Smith (10'08"), Shazier (10'10"). Numbers like that could convince Pittsburgh to get him on the field sooner than later, despite the addition of inside linebackers Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts in free agency.

Even if the Steelers elect to keep Smith on the edge, where he primarily played at Georgia, he would be an outstanding member of the pass rushing rotation and could eventually challenge for Highsmith's role if he leaves via free agency in the future.

Other Possibilities: Paris Johnson, Jr., OT, Ohio State; Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia; Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee; Joey Porter, Jr., CB, Penn State; Jordan Addison, WR, USC.

Surprise Pick: Lukas Van Ness, DL/Edge, Iowa

With needs on the defensive interior, as well as a reserve edge rusher, the Steelers could select Lukas Van Ness if he's there at 17. The 6-5, 272-pound former Iowa Hawkeye has the ability to play a hybrid role there, serving as a part-time pass rusher and moving inside on certain downs/situations. Think J.J. Watt meets Cam Heyward.