At this point it is almost a guarantee the Pittsburgh Steelers will take a quarterback in round one of the NFL draft. We are not on board with this given the lack of elite talent at the position. Here is a list of five players the Steelers should take instead of any quarterback in round one:
5. Jordan Davis DT, Georgia:
Jordan Davis defies the basic laws of physics. At 6’6” and 341 pounds this player ran a sub 4.5/40, and had a 32” vert with a 123”broad jump. Those are absurd numbers for a man that size. https://www.mockdraftable.com/player/jordan-davis The Steelers have lots of questions along their defensive line. Most notably is whether or not Stephon Tuitt will ever play again. Jordan Davis would be an immediate impact player along that line, particularly against the run where this team struggled so much last season.
4. Treylon Burks WR, Arkansas:
The Steelers have a real need at the wide receiver position. As we speak, they only have two players on the roster who played any significant snaps at wide receiver last season. Treylon Burks is a big, physical wide receiver with a ton of big plays on tape. Some have compared him to Titans stand out AJ Brown. The trio of Burks, Diontae Johnson, and Chase Claypool would give the Steelers an formidable group of weapons on offense.
3. Derek Stingley Jr. CB, LSU:
One thing the Steelers have not had in a very long time is an elite shut down corner. You’d have to go all the way back to Rod Woodson to find that kind of player in black and gold. Derek Stingley Jr. has that type of potential in his game. Without question the most physically gifted corner in this draft, the only thing holding him back is the decline in production since his freshman season. His effort on the field has been openly questioned by some draft experts. Having said that, if the Steelers could unlock the true talent in Derek Stingley Jr., the risk would be well worth it.
2. Daxton Hill S, Michigan:
Daxton Hill is so much more than just a safety. He can play all over the secondary, including as an outside corner. A player with this talent and versatility can be such an asset in today’s NFL. The fact that both Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert were at the Michigan Pro-Day makes Hill a real sleeper pick for this team at 20. Steelers first round pick in five tries
1. Kyle Hamilton S, Notre Dame:
There may be no more perfect fit for the Steelers in this draft than Kyle Hamilton. A big, physical safety who has the athleticism and ball skills to become a dominant player. This team currently does not have a strong safety on the roster. Adding Hamilton along side Minkah Fitzpatrick would essentially eliminate the middle of the field for opposing offenses. There is not a quarterback in this draft that’s worthy of being taken ahead of Hamilton. His slow 40 time at the combine is the only reason he would even have a chance to be available at 20. It is not a reason however that the Steelers should pass on this safety prospect.