The Steelers have needs at multiple positions entering the NFL Draft this year. This year more than ever, there doesn't appear to be a consensus name or pair of names that the Steelers have been linked to.
Instead due to needs at cornerback, offensive tackle, center, and wide receiver, depending on the mock draft you may see the Steelers taking any of those positions, and then there are also several names to choose from at each position. Of those four positions, these are the players that the Steelers should be targeting in the first round if they stand pat at pick 20.
Offensive Tackle: J.C. Latham
J.C. Latham is ranked differently on many different analysts' draft boards, and he may go as high as the back end of the top 10, or as low as the early 20's. While I don't know if the Alabama product will be there when the Steelers are on the clock, he must be considered if he is on the board.
This year's offensive tackle class is loaded at the top but has a steep drop off after the first round. The Steelers have a need at the position, and getting a stalwart like Latham to pair long-term with Broderick Jones would do wonders for whoever ends up under center in Pittsburgh long-term.
While many like Amarius Mims if the Steelers select a tackle, due to the obvious connection to Jones, he is a very raw prospect, with very little experience, and is too risky to select at pick 20. Latham would provide the team with a much safer option, who also possesses high upside.
Center: Graham Barton
Another position that the Steelers have an obvious need for is center. The center that they should be looking at is Duke prospect Graham Barton. After whiffing on the Kendrick Green selection a few years ago, and Mason Cole not working out either, the Steelers' need for a center is immense.
Barton would present the Steelers with versatility to play center, guard, or tackle, while slotting into the starting center spot from day 1. Jackson Powers-Johnson and Zach Frazier present options as well, and while Frazier would be a fine option as well, Powers-Johnson would be a bit of a reach at 20.
Like the tackle position, center is pretty thin in this year's draft class, and if the Steelers want a Day 1 starter, they will likely have to use their first-round draft choice on the position. Barton and Frazier are both solid options and while I slightly prefer Barton, either would be a solid selection by the Steelers to help bolster their offensive line for both the quarterback and the running game.
Wide Receiver: Adonai Mitchell
Of the wide receivers that the Steelers could select at pick 20, Adonai Mitchell out of Texas is the best option. At 6'2" Mitchell presents the Steelers with a strong combo of size and speed and fits the mold size-wise of a receiver in an Arthur Smith offense.
While he isn't as refined as the top receivers in the class, he is extremely talented and has the skill set to be an extremely productive wide receiver in the NFL. Adding him to the offense to pair with George Pickens would pay dividends for Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.
However, as previously mentioned, the offensive line positions are not as deep in this year's class, so the team may be better served looking there early in the draft. Meanwhile, the wide receiver class is the deepest position in this year's class, and the Steelers could wait until round 2 or 3, and still get an extremely productive player.
Cornerback: Cooper DeJean
While cornerback is a need, of the positions mentioned, it is the lowest priority for the Steelers in the first round. However, it's possible that the players the Steelers like at their biggest needs aren't available, and if that's the case, Cooper DeJean is someone the team would love.
DeJean feels like a Steeler as he is a versatile, physical playmaker, who moved all around the defense at Iowa. This description feels very similar to that of Minkah Fitzpatrick coming out of college. DeJean is listed as a cornerback, but can also play safety and nickel, and would be a valuable addition to any defense he joins.
Despite coming off a leg injury at the end of the season, DeJean went through tests at his Pro Day and showed scouts that he is healthy and still possesses the athleticism he showed on tape. Add to that his excellent value in the return game and it's easy to see why he would be a welcome addition to any NFL squad.
It remains to be seen what position the Steelers will use their first round draft choice, but one thing is certain, these players should all be on the Steelers radar. Adding any of them to the roster would be a welcome addition, and would help fill out the needs of the roster heading into Day 2 of the Draft.