It’s that time of year to start our Steelers mock draft series.  This promises to be a tough year to predict with all the Covid 19 challenges.  This is ordinarily the draft combine week.  Unfortunately it has become yet another casualty of the pandemic.  While we wait for each team pro-day, let’s take a crack at what we might think the Steelers will do in the upcoming draft.

After examining the draft for several weeks, we have decided a trade out of the first round would be the best course of action for the Steelers.  In this mock, we have traded down with the New York Jets.  Pittsburgh trades pick 24 overall and a sixth round pick (217), and gets picks 34 and 66 in from the Jets in this scenario.

Round 2 (34) – Tevin Jenkins OT Oklahoma St.:

Admittedly this maybe a little bit of a stretch that Jenkins makes it all the way to 34.  Depending on which mock draft you read he can swing from the fourth tackle taken all the way to the seventh.  Right now he is 30th overall on Daniel Jerimiah’s top 50 draft board, so we are within range.  https://www.nfl.com/news/daniel-jeremiah-s-top-50-2021-nfl-draft-prospect-rankings-2-0

This is a massive tackle prospect at 6’6” and 310lbs.  He excels in the run game, which is something the Steelers could really use right now.  His athletic ability make him an excellent pass protector as well.  Tevin Jenkins is everything the Steelers look for in a tackle.  If he’s available whenever they select first, there’s a very good chance he is the selection.

Round 2 (55) – Landon Dickerson C Alabama:

As we predicted before the season started, the Steelers offensive line had the potential to be really bad in 2020.  Steelers offensive line could be a weakness in 2020

Having said that, we expect lots of attention for this unit in the draft.  Pittsburgh needs to replace the retired Maurkice Pouncey at center.  Landon Dickerson is another massive offensive lineman (6’6”, 326lbs) who should help the failing Steelers running game.  The concern with Dickerson is injuries throughout his college career.  His medical evaluations will be key for any team drafting this player.

Round 3 (66) – Rhamondre Stevenson RB Oklahoma:

When Art Rooney II says fix the run game for three straight years, the Steelers finally take him seriously in 2021.  Kevin Colbert snags the poor mans Najee Harris with this selection.  Stevenson is a big back (6’ and 227lbs), but has shown some nice burst and agility.  He would make an excellent one-two punch with Anthony McFarland for the Steelers in 2021.

Round 3 (87) – Ihmir Smith-Marsette WR Iowa:

Remember this name come draft day.  Ihmir Smith-Marsette is one of the most exciting players to come out of this draft. https://youtu.be/1pR7m07KLqA

This is a blazing fast receiver with great hands as well.  Smith Marsette is also an accomplished return specialist.  He would be a perfect candidate to run all Matt Canada’s reverses and wide receiver screens.  With the probable loss of Ju Ju Smith-Schuster to free agency, wide receiver becomes a high priority again in the draft.

Round 4 (128) – Paulson Adebo CB Stanford:

This is another player where we are not really sure where he lands.  The fourth round may end up being late, but for now Paulson Adebo is the selection here.  There is lots to like with this Stanford product.  Adebo is an athletic corner with good size at 6’1”. He has shown excellent ball skills with eight career interceptions in 21 games in his college career. He is a willing tackler as well with 64 in his final season at Stanford.

Round 4 (141) – Marvin Wilson DT Florida St:

The Steelers need to start thinking about life without Cam Heyward at some point.  Why not get an early jump in this draft with an athletic big man like Marvin Wilson.  Wilson fits the mold of Pittsburgh defensive tackles at 6’3”, and 315 pounds.  He would make a nice rotational piece to help take some of the burden off Heyward and Tuitt in 2021.

Round 6 (225) –  Paddy Fisher LB Northwestern:

This is a player we were high on after watching him last season.  His stock has dropped a bit, but we still think there is a lot of upside for Fisher.  At worst the Steelers get an above average special teams player here.

Round 7 (244) – Matt Bushman TE  BYU:

A big tight end with decent athleticism, Matt Bushman will compete for the third tight end spot for the Steelers.

Round 7 – Shawn Davis S Florida:

Good athlete with lots of special teams experience.  Maybe this Shawn Davis works out better than the last Sean Davis…..who knows?