You can almost smell it, it’s so close. We’re a week from the NFL draft and here at Steelers Depot, that means we’ll be mocking your world until the draft. Having all the clues given to us through visits, Pro Days and other connections, now it’s time to put our prediction helmet on and tell you who it will be. This mockery will be my guess as to what I think the Steelers will do, not what I would do. Which is good because they never pick who I like anyway. So, let’s get on with it!
Version 1.0
ROUND 1 (#20 OVERALL): DESMOND RIDDER/QB CINCINNATI – 6033, 213 LBS.
Analysis: The honest truth for me is that they could pick any of the top five quarterbacks and I won’t be surprised at all. I personally like Sam Howell, but that doesn’t matter here. My thought process is this. I think the Steelers have their top three quarterbacks as Malik Willis, Desmond Ridder and Sam Howell. I think Willis and Kenny Pickett are pre-picked so Ridder is the pick.
He came to visit; You were at his Pro Day and saw him at the Senior Bowl. Ridder is an experienced leader who has helped make his team relevant over the past few years. The biggest question for him will be if he can improve his accuracy. Hopefully quarterback coach Mike Sullivan and new assistant quarterback coach David Corley can get the best out of him.
Ridder Scouting Report
Others under consideration: QB Sam Howell, QB Matt Corral
ROUND 2 (#52 OVERALL) – JAQUAN BRISKER/S PENN STATE – 6013, 199 LBS.
Analysis: Safety is a requirement and they can still sign a veteran, but bringing a quality young player to the backend is never a bad thing. The Steelers had defensive backs coach Grady Brown on their pro day, he was the team captain and hails from Pittsburgh. He was invited to the Senior Bowl, but he declined. In three seasons at Penn State, he played in 34 games starting at 21, totaling 153 tackles and five interceptions.
Versatility is a big part of his game. It has the size and athleticism to cover tight ends or play in the slot. He can play the deep safety or in the box while supporting the run. This is a combo the Steelers like when value meets need. He can start straight away, maybe not, but this is a quality defender.
Brisker Scouting Report
Others considered: LB Quay Walker, WR George Pickens, IDL DeMarvin Leal
ROUND 3 (#84 OVERALL) – ALEC PIERCE/WR CINCINNATI – 6031, 211 LBS.
Analysis: This is a holdover from my first mock draft, but there are a few points that are related. Pierce is another Senior Bowl invite, and at the Cincinnati Pro Day, the group that attended the Cincinnati Pro Day included offensive coordinator Matt Canada along with Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert.
Right off the bat he has something the Steelers wide receivers don’t and that is 4.33 speed. Able to play inside or outside, he can consistently win over the top as a deep threat and wins the 50/50 balls. You might not wait until the third to draft a wide receiver, but I’d be a lot less worried about the position Pierce adds.
Pierce Scouting Report
Others considered: S Brian Cook, S Nick Cross, CB Coby Bryant
ROUND 4 (#138 OVERALL) – JALYN ARMOUR-DAVIS/DB Alabama – 5114, 182 LBS.
Analysis: He didn’t play in the postseason All-Star games, but was invited to the Combine, and on his Pro Day, the Steelers sent defensive backs coach Grady Brown along with Kevin Colbert. How much confidence do they have in their current corners? One regular player played well for a third of the season, the other is new to the team. In today’s passing NFL, the depth at the corner back is huge.
He’s of good size and speed and comes from a program known for developing defenders. Alabama used multiple types of cover and let him play outdoors and in the slot. He’s only been in college for a year but has the qualities to keep improving. He is a willing tackler to support the run and has plenty of special team experience. He will be able to study behind the starters to improve his skills.
Armor Davis scouting report
Others considered: DB Josh Jobe, TE Charlie Kolar, EDGE DeAngelo Malone, WR Danny Gray
ROUND 6 (#208 OVERALL) – ERIC JOHNSON/IDL MISSOURI STATE – 6043, 299LBS.
Analysis: The Steelers don’t dip their toe in the FCS pond too often, but they showed interest here. Johnson played in two postseason All-Star games (NFLPA Bowl/Senior Bowl) and the Steelers brought him in for a visit in the pre-draft process. The Steelers have picked three defensemen a day in eight drafts since 2012.
The defensive line has a few older players and we still don’t know anything about Stephon Tuitt. We know the Steelers like to look for guys that fit what they want. Johnson is nearly identical height/weight/length measurements to Tuitt, Cam Heyward and Chris Wormley. It has the engine they will like, handles games well, can stack and discard blockers, and has pass rush potential. Seems to fit well.
Johnson Scouting Report
Others under consideration: EDGE Jeffrey Gunter, OL Cordell Volson, WR Kevin Austin, RB Sincere McCormick
ROUND 7 (#225 OVERALL) – ANDREW STUEBER/OT MICHIGAN – 6065, 325 LBS.
Analysis: The Steelers had Colbert and Tomlin at Michigan Pro Day along with area scout Dan Colbert and college scouting coordinator Phil Kreidler. Stueber has also been to the Senior Bowl, was team captain and we know they like Michigan players, four of whom are currently on the list (Devin Bush, Mason Cole, Zach Gentry and Chris Wormley).
He’s a big player and fits what they’re looking for, especially in their right tackles. He has very good length and experience starting with the right guard and tackle. He would add depth and competition to the veteran tackles on the list.
Stüber scouting profile
Others under consideration: LB Aaron Hansford, WR Jailon Nailor, S Quentin Lake, TE Lucas Krull
ROUND 7 (#241 OVERALL) – ELLIS BROOKS/LB PENN STATE – 6013, 226 LBS.
Analysis: Returning to Penn State for another player. There was obviously some interest in the Penn State linebackers, as Pittsburgh sent both linebacker coaches, Brian Flores and Jerry Olsavsky, to see Brooks, Brandon Smith and Jesse Luketa.
I missed EDGE Rusher (which I’m not happy about) but they didn’t show much interest in EDGE Rusher. I’ve also thought about doubling WR here, but filling in linebacker depth will have to do. I don’t know much about Brooks, but if I look around at other reviews online, you’ll see comments like fearless, high IQ, nervous, route-savvy, instinctive, athletic, and effective range in coverage. I will dare. He’s a bit smaller but could later play a role as a special teamer and partial packer.
Others considered; WR Isaiah Weston, IDL Kurt Hinish, CB Josh Thompson, IDL Marquan McCall