With the NFL Draft set to begin Thursday night in Chicago, let’s do a final mock draft for all of the Steelers eight selections.
First round: Landon Collins, Safety, University of Alabama
Lots of options here. With players like Alvin Dupree, Shane Ray and Randy Gregory all slipping down the board, it’s possible an intriguing pass rushing linebacker could tempt the Steelers. Defensive tackles like Malcom Brown and Eddie Goldman might be on the radar, much to many Steeler fans chagrin.
Ultimately the Steelers will go for secondary help, and any number of players would fit the bill. Among the names being linked to the Steelers include Kevin Johnson, Eric Rowe, Marcus Peters and Byron Jones. In the end, I stick with do-it-all safety Landon Collins. He’s a terrific player who can make an immediate impact for the Steelers, and there is plenty of cornerback depth in the next few rounds, maybe beyond.
Second round: Lorenzo Mauldin, OLB, Louisville
I’m sticking to my guns from my initial mock, but Mauldin is rising fast, and will likely not last beyond the second round. He’s a great fit for the Steelers scheme, and I love the motor on this guy. Would love to see him slip to the third, but too good of a player for the Steelers to pass up even if it means taking him this high.
Third round: Alex Carter, CB/S, Stanford
Seeing some consistency to my mock(s)? That’s because I believe in the picks, and think the Steelers are high on Carter, a hybrid corner/safety type who can fit perfectly in the Steelers secondary for years to come. Carter plays hard, and he’s a heady player who does not bring baggage with him from Palo Alto. Carter is projected by many to still be on the board when the Steelers pick in the third, and if he is, the Steelers could snag him.
Fourth round: Jeremy Langford, RB, Michigan State
Perfect pick and one I think the Steelers make. Langford is capable as a third-down back and can get some spot duty as a primary back for Le’Veon Bell. The Steelers need running back depth desperately despite of what some may say, and Langford immediately upgrades the position behind Bell.
Fifth round: Ben Koyack, TE, Notre Dame
The Steelers would like to find an eventual replacement for Heath Miller, and with other potential Steeler targets like Jeff Heuerman and Tyler Kroft off the board at this point, Oil City native Koyack is a nice consolation prize. Koyack has great hands and is a decent athlete who can thrive in the passing game. What makes him even more intriguing is he’s a willing and capable blocker, meaning he might be a dual-threat at the position, much like Miller is now.
Sixth round: Sean Hickey, OL, Syracuse
Another local product I had going to the Steelers in my first mock. Hickey has the ability to play his college position of right tackle or move inside to guard or possibly even center. This versatility is exactly what you are looking for with late-round picks on the offensive line. Hickey was very solid at Syracuse, and would add depth to the offensive line, something the Steelers could use.
Sixth round (Supplemental): Tray Walker, CB, Texas Southern
The Steelers will look to find lightning in a bottle late in the draft and Walker might be a steal. Sure, if you slip to the late rounds you have some flaws, and the level of competition at TSU and lack of blazing speed (4.52 at combine) might be negatives, but Walker has a chance to be a solid NFL cornerback. Walker possesses optimal size (6’2, 180) and could fit the Steelers coverage schemes quite well. Seems like a viable candidate to thrive under the tutelage of Steelers secondary coach Carnell Lake.
Seventh Round: Jamarcus Nelson, WR/KR, UAB
Once again, I’m sticking to my guns and make no change to my initial mock in the seventh round. Nelson is fast (4.28-40) and showed flashes of brilliance as a return man at UAB. Nelson also proved to be impressive running routes and catching passes at the combine and at his pro day, making him a potential project at wide receiver while he makes an immediate contribution in the return game.
