Steelers 2019 Mock

Making any sort of mock draft right now is a pretty pointless task, as we are so far out from the draft, it is impossible to see what players rise, fall, and ultimately what teams need. That being said, this is what I live off of in the NFL, so I am going to roll with it anyway. While this is all theoretical, I will do my best to have as much fun with it as possible and maintain realism throughout.

So some quick background before diving in, the Steeler finally got over the hump and won their 7th Super Bowl in a rematch with the Green Bay Packers (giving us the 32nd overall pick). Going into the offseason, we neither lose anyone big nor bring anyone major in. Bell leaves in free agency and Shazier retires. We do bring back LT Walton, allowing Alualu to leave. Jessie James also leaves, even though Vance McDonald has another up and down season. James Conner has a good year, and looks like a future replacement to Bell. Also, with Chukes Okafor looking really good as the swing and occasional tackle, the Steelers trade Marcus Gilbert for a third round pick. They really need the cap room, and considering his age and injury history, he seems like a good trade target. So, heading into the draft, we have needs at ILB, OLB, TE, OL, backup DE, and backup RB. So without further ado, the Pittsburgh Steelers are on the clock.

Round 1: Tre Lamar, ILB, Clemson-

A position the Steelers failed to address this year was ILB. While Bostic is a solid player, he is being paid like a backup for a reason. I am a big Vince William fan, and I think we need a proper player to compliment his skill set. Lamar has good size and is extremely athletic. He has above average coverage skills which is where the Steelers are hurting at right now. Another possible prospect is Mack Wilson from Alabama, as he specializes in coverage. I like Lamar a little more right now though, so he gets the early nod.

Round 2: Noah Fant, TE, Iowa-

The Steelers really need to find a capable TE, and Fant may finally be that solution. He excels as a receiver, using his large frame to make really combative catches. He also has a good body as a blocker, which is vital of Steeler TE’s. He could instantly take over James’s number 2 spot and compliment Vance McDonald. Ideally he should be able to develop into a major force at TE.

Round 3 (trade): Carl Granderson, OLB, Wyoming-

One of the Steelers biggest needs is a pass rusher, something that has seemingly plagued them for a long time. While Dupree had his fifth year option picked up, it seems doubtful he earns a second contract with the team. That is where Granderson comes in. While he plays at a lower level school, he would only serve as a rotational piece his first year. If he flashes, we can avoid spending an early round pick on an OLB next year.

Round 3: Julian Love, CB, Notre Dame-

Love is a fast CB with below average size. CB may not seem like a major need right now, but both Burns and Haden are going to be entering into a contract year, so depth and future starters may be needed. Love has good talent all around, and should be a viable option a few years down the road.

Round 4: Jaylen Smith, WR, Louisville-

The Steelers only have 3 receivers set to be on the roster in 2019, so depth is going to be needed. Smith has good size and decent athleticism. He should provide good depth on the outside.

Round 5: David Edwards, OT, Wisconsin-

Since Gilbert was shipped out, more depth is going to be needed along the line. Guard already has some solid backups, but tackle is lacking. Edwards is insurance incase Hawkins proves he can’t be the backup.

Round 6: Kingsley Keke, DE, Texas A&M-

Even with LT Walton returning, a new backup DE is going to be needed for depth. Keke has good developmental talent, and should serve as a solid 6th defensive lineman. Keke looks like a good run plugger with plus pass rushing ability, so he should be a solid addition to this line.

Round 7: Brett Rypien, QB, Boise State-

I know a third QB in a row doesn’t make a lot of sense, but with Landry Jones set for his likely final year in Pittsburgh, a new number 3 QB is going to be needed. While someone is likely to be signed out of free agency, taking a shot on a QB late makes sense.