(Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
If you’re tuning in. you’re in for a treat. This article has not one, not two, but three total mock drafts. The first, a Pittsburgh Steelers, seven-round mock draft about what I think will happen. I will attempt to be the most accurate for the entire draft. The second, a seven-round mock draft about what I would do. And lastly, a day-one mock draft featuring all 32 selections.
I used Pro Football Network’s mock draft simulator to help regulate the likeliness of a player’s availability.
First Mock Draft: 7-rounds, What I Think Will Happen:
Round 1, Pick 24: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB/S, Notre Dame
I know, it's not an offensive player and it’s not Najee Harris. In the simulator, Harris (nor Etienne) were available and I think this is true come Thursday night. Someone unexpectedly always falls to the Steelers, and this year it's ‘JOK’.
Owusu-Koramoah is more than just a linebacker, he fills many needs on a defense who lost some talent. The Notre Dame product can play inside linebacker, dime-backer and even slot cornerback. The issue of handling move tight ends comes to an end.
Both Mike Tomlin and Colbert attended Notre Dame’s Pro Day.
Other players on the board considered: OT Tevin Jenkins, LB Zaven Collins, CB Greg Newsome
Round 2, Pick 55: Trey Sermon, RB, The Ohio State University
With the value at running back not present in round one, the Steelers make sure to grab their feature workhorse of the future. Sermon checks all the boxes in terms of what's needed out of the running back position: can be productive, can catch the football, can pass protect.
Sermon’s career hasn’t even begun to peek at his potential and the Steelers could use a back with great vision, power, elusivity and ability to be a true workhorse. The former Buckeye compares favorably to Le’Veon Bell.
Other players on the board considered: OC Landon Dickerson (medicals), OT Liam Eichenberg, CB Aaron Robinson
Round 3, Pick 87: Josh Myers, OC, The Ohio State University
Kevin Colbert said this center class was deep, but waiting any longer wouldn’t be smart with Myers on the board. Myers is a plug-and-play center who is a huge upgrade over what the Steelers currently employ at the position. Myers may not fit the new system due to not being the most athletic, but at the center position, it's something that can be lenient with.
Other players on the board considered: OC Trey Hill, QB Kellen Mond, TE Brevin Jordan
Round 4, Pick 128: Elerson Smith, EDGE, Northern Iowa
With Bud Dupree now in Tennessee, the Steelers are one injury at outside linebacker away from a complete disaster. Elerson Smith can follow in Alex Highsmith’s steps and spell in for both or either Watt and Highsmith.
Smith is a high motored, explosive edge rusher with some inquisitive moves to get to the quarterback. Has great size and athleticism and a high ceiling.
Other players on the board considered: WR Seth Williams, S James Wiggins, EDGE Hamilcar Rashed Jr.
Round 4, Pick 140 (Compensatory selection): Adrian Ealy, OT, Oklahoma
The tackle position can use a big infusion of talent and depth. Ealy is a natural right tackle with a nasty demeanor and can pull if needed. Ealy also has snaps at guard under his belt, offering a much-coveted versatility.
Other players on the board considered: WR Shi Smith, TE Nick Eubanks, WR/Weapon Demetric Felton
Round 6, Pick 216: Drue Chrisman, P, The Ohio State University
The Steelers have to upgrade this position and Chrisman will be an immediate starter. Chrisman punts with excellent hang time and distance, allowing coverage units to be effective.
Don’t think the Steelers take a punter? They took a long snapper in the sixth round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
Other players on the board considered: DT Jordon Scott, OT Dan Moore, WR Dez Fitzpatrick
Round 7, Pick 245: Zach Davidson, TE, CMU
The tight end position needs to be addressed in the draft and it is an uninspiring class as a whole. Davidson is a talented and underrated small school guy who can be effective in both the passing game and as a blocker.
Other players on the board considered: DT Mustafa Johnson, OT Josh Bell, S Christian Uphoff
Round 7 Pick 254: Paris Ford, S, Pittsburgh
The Steelers will be taking a shot in the dark this late in the draft and I think they stay close to home with a prospect they expectedly have substantial information on. Ford fills the need as the 3rd safety and can improve his tackling and angles working on special teams.
Other players on the board considered: WR Jonathan Adams Jr., QB Ian Book, DT Lorenzo Neal
The Second Mock Draft, What I’d do:
Round 1, Pick 24: Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
Assuming medicals clear him, an absolute stud of a cornerback who fills a humongous need.
Round 2, Pick 56: Quinn Meinerz, OC, Wisconsin-Whitewater
My best center in the draft in terms of what the Steelers need at the position.
Round 3, Pick 87: Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Memphis
A home-run back who can do it all, just a bit undersized in what the Steelers may look for.
Round 4, Pick 128: Adrian Ealy, OT, Oklahoma
Day one starter at right tackle with guard versatility.
Round 4, Pick 140: Charles Snowden, EDGE, Virginia
The Steelers need depth at outside linebacker and Snowden is an underrated guy who has blocked a kick and a punt.
Round 6, Pick 216: Drue Chrisman, P, The Ohio State University
Taking this one from the mock above. I think it's a smart move. The Steelers need consistency here.
Round 7, Pick 245: Christian Uphoff, S, Illinois State
Great size and instincts, can play either safety spot. Needed depth.
Round 7, Pick 252: Larnel Coleman, OT, Massachusetts
This is my guy. Plain and simple. Dude can play and has high potential.
Third Mock Draft, Full 32-Pick Prediction:
1 - Jacksonville Jaguars: QB Trevor Lawrence
2 - New York Jets: QB Zach Wilson
3 - San Francisco 49ers: QB Mac Jones
4 - Atlanta Falcons: TE Kyle Pitts
5 - Cincinnati Bengals, WR Ja’marr Chase
6 - Miami Dolphins: OT Penei Sewell
7 - Detroit Lions: WR Jaylen Waddle
8 - New England Patriots (from CAR): QB Trey Lance
9 - Washington Football Team (from DEN): QB Justin Fields
10 - Dallas Cowboys: CB Patrick Surtain II
11 - New York Giants: LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
12 - Philadelphia Eagles: WR Devonta Smith
13 - LA Chargers: OT Rashawn Slater
14 - Minnesota Vikings: OT Christian Darrisaw
15 - Carolina Panthers (From NE): CB Jaycee Horn
16 - Arizona Cardinals: WR Rashod Bateman
17 - Las Vegas Raiders: LB Micah Parsons
18 - Miami Dolphins: RB Najee Harris
19 - Denver Broncos: EDGE Azeez Ojulari
20 - Chicago Bears: WR Rondale Moore
21 - Indianapolis Colts: OT Teven Jenkins
22 - Tennessee Titans: CB Greg Newsome II
23 - New York Jets: RB Travis Etienne
24 - Pittsburgh Steelers: CB Caleb Farley
25 - Jacksonville Jaguars: DT Christian Barmore
26 - Cleveland Browns: LB Jamin Davis
27 - Baltimore Ravens: WR Kadarius Toney
28 - New Orleans Saints: LB Zaven Collins
29 - Green Bay Packers: WR Elijah Moore
30 - Buffalo Bills: EDGE Kwity Paye
31 - Baltimore Ravens - OT Alex Leatherwood
32 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers - OG Alijah Vera-Tucker