Things are not all sunshine and rainbows for the Steelers like before the holiday season. It was only two weeks ago when fans thought Pittsburgh had a legitimate shot at ending their playoff drought. Now, it seems like they could be ready for another one-and-done scenario like past years. It's the same story in a different season for this fan base, and they are growing restless.
Will changes come to the team? Some sure, but nothing too groundbreaking. Struggles bring new hope on the horizon when the offseason rolls around. Expect the Steelers to remain active in free agency and add some pieces in the draft. Hopeful fans will believe all the struggles this team endures during the postseason will be minor, but things look more of the same as in previous playoff campaigns.
Steelers mock draft round 1: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
It might not seem like an immediate need for the Steelers since Cam Heyward has been fantastic, but Pittsburgh needs young players on the defensive line. They have invested some draft capital in the trenches in past years, but they need to add some top picks. They take Kenneth Grant here who has been terrific at Michigan. He should become an instant contributor on defense.
Steelers mock draft round 2: Cam Skattebo, RB, Arizona State
No one had a better College Football Playoff outing than Cam Skattebo out of Arizona State. His team might've come up short, but Skattebo had one of the best performances of all time. In that game alone, he had a passing touchdown, two rushing touchdowns, and 284 combined yards. He also reminds many of James Conner coming out of college, which Pittsburgh will love.
Steelers mock draft round 3: Tory Horton, WR, Colorado State
He was set up for a monster season, but it was cut short to only six games this past year due to a knee injury. Tory Horton was producing eye-popping numbers the two seasons prior at Colorado State and seemed prepared to continue that trend before his injury. The Steelers will need to make certain Horton's rehab is on track to make a return when the preseason process comes around.
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Steelers mock draft round 4: Ajani Cornelius, OT, Oregon
With Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu becoming the starting tackles next year, there is some uncertainty. Ajani Cornelius is just sitting there in round four of this mock draft, and the Steelers know they must take him. He has played mostly right tackle in college, so it will take some development for him to become a true swing tackle. Cornelius is a great value pick at this point in this draft.
Steelers mock draft round 5: Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State
With Donte Jackson becoming a pending free agent, the Steelers need to address the cornerback position this offseason. In this scenario, they would ideally add someone in free agency and the draft. They take Denzel Burke here who has plenty of starting experience coming out of college. He is only 22 years old, so his best days as a player should still be in front of him.
Steelers mock draft round 7: Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
Who knows what the Steelers are thinking when it comes to the future of Russell Wilson or Justin Fields. They could always let both walk in free agency if they lose in the first round of the playoffs. Either way, they need to add a player or two at quarterback this offseason. They take Jaxson Dart who has plenty of starting experience and remained productive throughout his SEC career.
Steelers mock draft round 7: Elijhah Badger, WR, Florida
Going with another receiver to conclude this mock draft for the Steelers. Elijhah Badger out of Florida also has some return ability to his game, so that could help his cause when he fights for a roster spot. He started off his career at Arizona State before transferring to Florida this past season. Badger has remained fairly consistent in his production, but he has never had huge numbers in college.