Many Steeler fans have been raving about the Steelers selecting Najee Harris or an offensive tackle throughout the offseason. Not many have talked about the Steelers selecting a Linebacker in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. That changed when Mel Kiper Jr recently mocked Tulsa's Linebacker Zaven Collins to the Steelers.
Collins was one of the best defenders in College Football in 2020. He is a 6-foot-4, 220-pound linebacker who had 85 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, one interception, three pass deflections, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. He also earned second-team All-AAC honors for his play on the football field. In eight games in 2020, Collins put up 54 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, four interceptions, two pass deflections, two forced fumbles, a safety, and a fumble recovery. He is a baller. If Collins is there at pick 24 he would be considered one of the best available on the board at that position.
Here is what Mel Kiper Jr had to say in regards to the Steelers selecting Zaven Collins in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft: "Pittsburgh lost five of its last six games after starting 11-0, and holes were exposed, particularly after edge rusher Bud Dupree tore his ACL in early December. And with Dupree now a free agent, this would be a pick to grab a replacement. Collins is a do-everything linebacker who had four sacks, four interceptions (two for TDs), and two forced fumbles on the way to winning the Nagurski Award last season. At 6-foot-4, 260 pounds, he could slot into Dupree’s position and excel at getting after quarterbacks or dropping into coverage to confuse offensive coordinators. Collins is a really intriguing chess piece for a smart defense. The Steelers could also think about the offensive line with this pick."
There are many holes needed for the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason. If Maurkice Pouncey decides to retire the biggest hole will be the Center position. It would almost guarantee the Steelers would take a Center in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft. That would be a smart decision as well. Mel Kiper Jr makes some good points in regards to Zaven Collins, but the biggest needs are on the offensive side of the ball with the Steelers. It would be wise of the Steelers to draft offensive in the first two rounds of the NFL draft. The Steelers defense is just fine for right now.