Steelers Mock Draft 1.0

We are now just over a month away from the 2019 NFL draft, and two days into free agency. The combine has concluded, and general managers are making the final touches on their big boards. Most of the big ticket free agents have signed their contracts, which leaves teams looking to round out their rosters with the remaining pool of players. At this point, we have a pretty good idea of team needs heading into the draft.

Before getting into the mock, I’d like to preface this article with a few things. First, I will be using TheDraftNetwork.com mock draft tool. The tool uses a consensus ranking system and predictive draft picks based on value and team needs. I strongly suggest checking out their website, and following their team on Twitter. For Steelers fans, Jon Ledyard provides some of the best unbiased Steelers analysis out there.

Next, I will be mocking all seven rounds for the Steelers. I will be writing simultaneously while doing the mock draft, providing insight into the players available, and reasoning for each pick. Before I start I would like to state with ten draft picks this year, the hope is the Steelers use that draft capital to move up in round one, two, and/or possibly three to get more quality players. This team needs high end players that can play year one to keep this Super Bowl window alive; ten rookies are not making this roster anyways.

Without wasting anymore of your time:

Round 1 Pick 20

Devin Bush Jr. – LB – Michigan – 5’11” 235 lbs.

Players considered: CB Byron Murphy, TE Noah Fant, WR Hakeem Butler

Greedy Williams and D.K. Metcalf were selected at picks 15 and 17 respectively. D.K. would have been a lot of fun, but Greedy is still unrefined and has consistency issues, so that is fine. Devin Bush fills a hole that has been left unfilled since Ryan Shazier’s injury. Bush posted great combine results: 4.43s 40-yard dash (2nd), 40.5″ vertical (1st), 10’4″ broad jump (3rd), and a 6.93s 3-cone drill (5th). Bush plays with the athleticism and intensity the Steelers have lacked on defense in quite some time. The Steelers get a difference-maker they so desperately need in the first round.

Round 2 Pick 52

Deebo Samuel – WR – South Carolina – 5’11” 215 lbs.

Players Considered: S Deionte Thompson, IDL Dexter Lawrence, CB Trayvon Mullen

With no immediate help at cornerback, and the last top-tier tight end off the board, Irv Smith Jr., I took one of my favorite players in the draft. Deebo Samuel can step in and contribute on offense in a big way during his rookie season. He is incredible after the catch, and his footwork, size, and athleticism enable him to play in the slot as well as outside receiver. I wrote about him in an earlier article on my top five receivers in the class. Donte Moncrief might help the offense, but Deebo Samuel can keep it at an elite level.

NOTE: Deionte Thompson at pick 52 is a steal, but I can’t imagine the Steelers admitting Terrell Edmunds was a blown first round pick last year, and I don’t expect them to move on from Sean Davis. The only reason Thompson is sliding from the first round is due to a shaky National Championship performance.

Round 3 Pick 66

Christian Miller – EDGE – Alabama – 6’3″ 240 lbs.

Players Considered: TE Dax Raymond, CB Amani Hooker, IDL Renell Wren, WR Emmanuel Hall

This round hurt. Lengthy corner Trayvon Mullen, who the Steelers have been linked to already, was taken at pick 65. Once again the cupboards were empty with cornerback help. This is a pick I’d like the Steelers to move up with, as none of the names available struck confidence in me.

At the time of this article, the Justin Houston rumors are just that, rumors. I selected the heir to Bud Dupree, who is on the last year of his rookie contract and due to be a free agent next season. Miller offers upside and a pass rush ability that Bud Dupree lacks. Miller has a good repertoire of pass rush moves and has enough bend to break the edge on tackles. In limited opportunites at Alabama, he showed great potential.

Round 3 Pick 83

Amani Hooker – CB – Iowa – 6’0″ 210 lbs

Players Considered: TE Dawson Knox, S Darnell Savage, IDL Khalen Saunders

Waiting 17 spots to take Hooker panned out perfectly. The Steelers finally land corner help, and select a physical corner with great ball skills. Hooker is a sure tackler, and best when asked to play zone coverage. His physical stature does allow him to play press, however he lacks long speed to run with receivers that can take the top off of a defense.

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