Welcome to mock draft mania! With the draft just a few weeks away, I wanted to run through as many different mock scenarios as possible for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Unlike years past, this team has a lot of avenues they could take in the draft, and there is a multitude of ways for them to add more talent this year.
While each scenario will play out differently, it will follow the same base rules. We will be using the general needs of this team to determine picks. As well, we will try to follow the usual trends this team has when drafting.
Those trends vary, naturally, but some general rules are that a first-round pick either needs Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan at the Pro Day or has been invited for a pre-draft visit.
Positional coaches play a role in positions that get drafted (we have seen the secondary and receiver coach hot on the trail this year, making safety and receiver a viable selection earlier than expected).
Finally, we care about who the team brought in as a pre-draft visitor. They have brought in quite a few quarterbacks as well as running backs.
Today, we cover one of my least favorite scenarios in the draft: taking a running back with the top pick. I am generally against selecting a running back in the first round, as you can find good contributors elsewhere.
If you do get someone early, they need to be generational as a prospect. This year, that could be Ashton Jeanty, but I doubt he falls to the Steelers. That said, here is how the draft could shake down if they take a running back early.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back headlined mock draft
Steelers Mock Draft Round 1: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Having just recently completed his pre-draft visit, Omarion Hampton is the only running back this team could take in the first round. While a fine prospect, this draft is extremely deep at running back, and this team has a capable duo at the top of the depth chart.
Hampton’s build is a plus, with good height and weight. He isn’t your typical power back, though, as he has great burst, decent speed, and plus agility. He can run you over, but he can also make you miss.
My issue with him is his vision. He can focus on just one route to take and stick with it, even if a better hole opens up later. It allowed him to run over a lot of defenders in college, but I’m not sure that sticks in the NFL.
I think Hampton has the potential to be a good starter, but this offense already has a good starter in Jaylen Warren. I don’t see the value here, and with a long wait until the next pick, the rest of this draft suffers for it.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 3: Joshua Farmer, DL, Florida State
Of the mid-round defensive linemen, Joshua Farmer sticks out as one who could turn into a pretty good starter. While he is on the shorter side, he has insanely long arms and a decent pass rush plan that he displayed while at Florida State.
While he can contribute early as a pass rusher, his run defense and anchor need some work. Some of that will naturally improve with an NFL strength regimen, but Farmer also needs to be better at shedding his blocks and blowing up plays in the backfield.
The Steelers have shown interest, and while Farmer wouldn’t be ready to start day one, he can rotate in on passing downs and eventually earn a role. This does leave defensive end as a massive question mark, but he could figure into the answer down the road once he develops.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 4: Riley Leonard, QB, Notre Dame
The Steelers sent their top brass to Notre Dame for their Pro Day, and while it likely wasn’t to see Riley Leonard, it sounded like he had an impressive day. He was productive in school, even if there are some serious questions about his ability as a pro.
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He has the mobility that this team claims to covet, and that, mixed in with his grit, made him a competent quarterback. Unfortunately, the problems are notable. His arm strength is poor, and his accuracy is hit or miss. He plays hard constantly, but his given traits are hard ones to work with.
I don’t think you are getting a career starter in Leonard, but you could do worse than with him as a backup. He may not be the answer for Pittsburgh’s quarterback issue, but he can be a stable body in the room for the next few seasons.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 5: Konata Mumpfield, WR, Pittsburgh
Staying close to home with this pick, Konata Mumpfield was a productive, albeit inconsistent, receiver for the Panthers over the past few seasons. He didn’t test well and lacks the elite size to win on the outside, but he always seems to find ways to get open.
If he can run some sharper routes, Mumpfield could be a potent slot receiver and safety net for an offense. He provides something unique to this room and should be fine depth, regardless. He lacks elite traits, but he has the knack for getting open anyway and making plays.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 6: Jordan Hancock, DB, Ohio State
Jordan Hancock is a jack-of-all-trades, master of none defensive back. He can play either safety spot well enough, and he even found success in the slot while with the Buckeyes. At the next level, he profiles as a versatile backup with the potential to focus on one position.
He can fight for slot snaps right away as well as serve as the backup box and free safety. The Steelers have been hot on the trait of safeties, and while Hancock lacks the elite traits to be a superstar, he could develop into a low-end starter.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 7: Zah Frazier, CB, UTSA
If Zah Frazier were a few years younger and had played at a bigger school, you would be talking about a first or second-round pick. Unfortunately, the long and tall cornerback has one season of good play and will be 25 as a rookie.
He is likely at his ceiling, so development will be minimal at the next level. That said, the worst-case scenario is that you get a viable gunner on special teams. His build and athleticism are unmatched, so taking a late dart throw makes a lot of sense.