The pro-day trail is coming to an end this week.  We have gotten some very good clues as to who the Steelers may, or may not be interested in.  History tells us their first round pick comes exclusively from schools that Tomlin and the GM have visited.  Later round picks have had positional coaches attend quite often.  With all that in mind, its time for our Steelers mock draft 4.0:

Round 1 (17): Darnell Wright OT – Tennessee

H/W: 6’5”, 333lbs

40: 5.01

Arms: 33 3/4

Broad/Vert: 29”, 114”

RAS: 9.78

The Steelers have made it pretty clear in free agency what type of lineman they now look for.  They want BIG men up front.  Well, they don’t get much bigger than Darnell Wright.  It’s not just his size however, you are also getting a plus athlete.  So far Wright has played right tackle the majority of the time.  There is some belief he can play left tackle as well.  Either way this team gets one of the best tackles in the draft.

Round 2 (32): Mazi Smith DT – Michigan

H/W: 6’3”, 323lbs

Arms: 33 3/4

Bench: 34 reps

RAS: N/A

This is the sole holdover from our mock draft 3.0.  Steelers mock draft 3.0: Post Combine

Mazi Smith checks too many boxes not to be a Steeler.  He is bigger than most defensive tackles this high in the draft, while maintaining plus athleticism as well.  Smith also led the combine with 34 reps on the bench.  https://www.mockdraftable.com/player/mazi-smith

With Cam Heyward about to turn 34, this team gets a young defensive tackle to build their future around.

Round 2 (49): Will McDonald Edge – Iowa St.

H/W: 6’3 5/8”, 239lbs

40: N/A

Arms: 35”

Broad/Vert: 36”, 132”

RAS: N/A

Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan made a surprise trip through Iowa last week.  What stands out about those two schools is the fact they both have very good edge rushers in this draft.  In fact Iowa St. has only one top 100 prospect, and that is Will McDonald.  This could very well be step one in moving on from the soon to be free agent Alex Highsmith.  One has to wonder if the Steelers can fit two giant contacts at edge under their salary cap.  Stay tuned.

Round 3 (80): Jonathan Mingo WR – Mississippi

H/W: 6’2”, 220lbs

40: 4.46

Broad/Vert: 39 1/2”, 129”

RAS: 9.97

If you listened closely to Omar Khan’s interview at the owner’s meetings, he said something interesting about the slot receiver position.  Khan said they would add a slot receiver of “ones that fit what we want to do”.  Translation:  they want a bigger slot to help block for the run heavy scheme.

Enter Jonathan Mingo, a big athletic receiver perfect for what they are looking for.  Mingo is scheduled for a pre-draft visit as well.

Round 4 (120): Riley Moss CB – Iowa

H/W: 6’1”, 193lbs

40: 4.45

Broad/Vert: 39”, 127”

RAS: 9.90

I know what you’re thinking, how can we be this far into out Steelers mock draft 4.0, and not have a corner?  Well here we are with Iowa’s Riley Moss.  Moss simply checks all the boxes.  He is a plus athlete, met with the Steelers at his pro day, and has the production this team covets (11 career ints).  Add to this the previously mentioned pro day visit from the team’s brass, and Moss screams Steeler draft choice.

Round 7: (236): Daniel Scott S – Cal

H/W: 6’1”, 208lbs

40: 4.45

Broad/Vert: 39”, 128”

RAS: 9.94

Really good athlete at a position of need.  Daniel Scott is also scheduled for a pre-draft visit.  He will not solve the strong safety issue, but will add overall depth to the position.

Round 7 (243): Brenton Strange TE – Penn St.:

H/W: 6’3”, 254lbs

40: 4.7

Broad/Vert: 36”, 124”

RAS: 9.03

Tight end with decent athleticism to add to the thin tight end room.  Strange has decent size as well.  Should add to the special teams units right away.