Greetings to mock draft madness! As the draft approaches in just a few weeks, I aimed to explore numerous mock scenarios for the Pittsburgh Steelers. In contrast to previous years, this team has numerous options available in the draft, providing them with various opportunities to enhance their talent this year. Although every situation will unfold uniquely, it will adhere to the same fundamental guidelines. We will consider the overall needs of this team to make selections. Additionally, we will attempt to adhere to the typical patterns this team exhibits during the draft process.
These trends differ, of course, but some overarching guidelines indicate that a first-round selection must either have Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan present at the Pro Day or receive an invitation for a pre-draft visit. Positional coaches influence which positions are selected during the draft (this year, we’ve noticed the secondary and receiver coaches actively pursuing options, making safety and receiver viable choices sooner than anticipated). Ultimately, we are interested in which players the team invited as pre-draft visitors. They have recruited several quarterbacks along with running backs. As we enter draft week, I wanted to examine the absolute worst-case scenario for this team. From beginning to end, this is the most plausible poor draft that I can envision happening.
Keep in mind that realistic implies we won’t be selecting long snappers early or taking random benchwarmers in the third round. These players have attracted genuine interest from the Pittsburgh Steelers, and considering where several of them might be selected, it transforms this draft into a headache.
Pittsburgh Steelers manage to mess up this NFL mock draft in every possible way.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 1: Tyler Shough, QB from Louisville
Ultimately, selecting a quarterback in the first round has to be the least favorable outcome. I fully support making attempts at the position, particularly when there’s a lack of options, but reaching in a weak quarterback draft is too desperate for my liking.
The quarterback facing the fewest problems at pick 21 would be Shedeur Sanders. Although there are valid concerns regarding his potential, he has the greatest chance of truly becoming a starter. Players such as Jaxson Dart and Jalin Milroe possess considerable potential but require significant effort to realize it.
They aren’t the least favorable choice, however: Tyler Shough is. He possesses one of the stronger arms in the draft class along with some surprising athleticism. The problem is his age. He’ll be a rookie at 26 years old, a tough pitch in the first round. What troubles me is how long it took him to develop into a solid starter in college. When he reached a high level of performance, he was considerably older than his competitors.
We have observed many prospects having difficulty taking that level of success further. Selecting Shough in the first round appears to be a significant misstep for a team that is in need of a franchise quarterback. If he turns out well, I still don’t view him as an elite playmaker, and given his age, I find it hard to see him as the one.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 3: Savion Williams, WR, TCU
At first glance, I’m fond of the concept of Savion Williams. He is a large-bodied receiver with explosive athletic ability and the skill to succeed in open areas as a runner. He clearly exudes Deebo Samuel energy with his skills on the field, yet can also excel in the aerial game. I have two main concerns about bringing him here. To begin with, you continue to overlook your most pressing requirement, the defensive line, by selecting Williams. Chances are the third round will be the final opportunity to secure a possible starter, making it a hard reality to accept. Moreover, Williams is quite an unrefined player as a wide receiver. His route running is very weak, and he must make significant improvements if he hopes to be effective in that area. I’m simply uncertain if Arthur Smith is the person to maximize his potential. I believe Williams has the potential to be a great player, but he requires an effective system to succeed. I’m okay with that risk if you hadn’t picked a quarterback early, but that’s not the situation in this mock draft.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 4: Kalel Mullings, RB, from Michigan
I believe the Steelers can afford to hold off until a round or two later to select a running back in this deep class if necessary. That being noted, they might also acquire a dynamic runner in the third or fourth round, so selecting one at that point makes sense. Kalel Mullings is in a prime position as a clear error.
He embodies the traditional power back that this team typically desires, and he does not possess the burst and awareness to become significantly more than that. Although possessing a hammer in the backfield is acceptable, I prefer to select Ollie Gordon a round or two later. Mullings’ recording simply doesn’t connect with me. He can serve as a decent power back for a team in need, but considering the numerous superior choices available in this draft, selecting him in the fourth round is a reach.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 5: Jared Harrison-Hunte, DL/EDGE, SMU
If the Steelers take this much time to tackle the defensive line, it would be a total disgrace. This course is profound, and a clear requirement exists. Making a significant investment in this group is logical, possibly even allowing for double dipping to leverage the depth in this class.
Jared Harrison-Hunte appears to be a poor prospect on paper, yet he lacks a specific role at the next level and has received some comparisons to DeMarvin Leal. Overall, if this represents the sole investment in the defensive line, the Pittsburgh Steelers ought to feel embarrassed.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 6: Ben Sauls, K, from Pittsburgh
Although the Steelers haven’t pursued kickers vigorously, they did host local kicker Ben Sauls for a pre-draft meeting. This was somewhat confusing, given that Chris Boswell just had an exceptional season. Most probably, this is simply due diligence. That being said, the team may be looking to replace an aging Boswell, who is due a significant pay raise after his outstanding season. Sauls is not a poor kicker, but investing draft picks in that position this season simply seems illogical.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 7: Donovan Smith, Quarterback, Houston
In a strikingly reminiscent strategy to 2022, the Steelers might select two quarterbacks to obtain both their preferred choice and their fourth-string signal-caller. As they cannot compete with undrafted free agent deals, obtaining a top reserve this way is their best option.
Donovan Smith is an enjoyable player to observe with qualities to develop, but he would begin camp as the fourth quarterback and find it hard to gain playing time. It’s often challenging to derive much from seventh-round selections, but this appears to be a clear misuse.