When trying to break down who the Steelers might realistically pick at the 22nd pick in the draft, it helps to rank the top 22 players that may be on their board.
I’ll admit, I like any of these guys in the top 20 or so. After that I’m less excited. Hopefully we see a couple of running backs, some additional receivers, or some surprise reaches in the top 22 to push some higher ranked guys down to 22.
Here we go…
1. Jameis Winston, QB, Florida St. – Yep. If I could choose anyone for the Steelers’ it’s the highly controversial Winston. He has all the tools to be a franchise quarterback, if he stays out of trouble. If you have a chance to get one, you do it. In this scenario, I’m shopping Ben to a team like Arizona or Houston.
2. Dante Fowler, OLB, Florida – There’s a lot of good edge rushers in the top of this draft, but Fowler is my favorite because he’s long and more importantly, he’s mean.
3. Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson – I had Beasley much lower before the combine. I’ve always liked his quick-twitch play, but now he’s shown he can put on some bulk.
4. Leonard Williams, DL, USC – Williams would probably be higher if OLB wasn’t such a big need. Williams could play anywhere on the Steelers’ DL and cause problems.
5. Randy Gregory, OLB, Nebraska – I have him a little lower than some, because he’s a little light for my taste.
6. Danny Shelton, NT, Washington – I don’t see nose as a huge need for the Steelers, but Shelton’s a special talent. He can definitely keep Shazier clean, and doesn’t necessarily have to come off the field on 3rd downs.
7. Kevin White, WR, West Virginia – Big Ben would love this kid. He is big and fast. Not a need, but would make the offense nearly unstoppable.
8. Bud Dupree, OLB, Kentucky – Dupree is probably my favorite prospect that might be there at 22. Highly athletic and BIG. A Woodley-like OLB.
9. Shane Ray, OLB, Missouri – A lot of people have Ray higher… I don’t like that he only wins with athleticism at this point, but obviously he has potential.
10. Marcus Peters, CB, Washington – I’m listing him here because he’s a stud… Unfortunately the Steelers may not have him on their board at all.
11. Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State – I’m a little worried Waynes’ stock is being inflated by the lack of CB talent in this class; he’s a little stiff… but he’s still this high because it’s such a big need.
12. Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama – Not the physical freak that Kevin White is, but highly polished… Would see the field quickly.
13. Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami – I list Flowers as the highest OL because he’s only 20 years old with the highest ceiling. Franchise LT material.
14. Brandon Scherff, OL, Iowa – Flower would probably sit for a year, Scherff’s ceiling not as high but he’d probably start at LG day 1, and possibly move outside later.
15. Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon – I’m not a fan of Mariota’s play-style personally, but I’ll list him because he’ll go in the top 22 picks.
16. Landon Collins, S, Alabama – Collins isn’t an exceptional talent in any one area, but he is a good all around safety with a nose for the football. I’m on the fence about him.
17. Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford – Another potential left tackle that shows flashes of greatness, but lacks consistency.
18. Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota – Williams is a talented pass catcher that needs some work blocking, but definitely capable of taking over Heath’s spot eventually.
19. Eli Harold, OLB, Virginia – SteelDad and myself agree we’re not fans of Harold, but we seem to be in the minority in the draft “expert” community.
20. Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest – Johnson’s a very athletic, aggressive corner. He doesn’t tackle as well as the Steelers typically like, but he could improve with some more weight on his frame.
21. DaVante Parker – WR, Louisville – I’m not a huge fan, but Mike Tomlin has shown interest. I think the team really wants to focus on red-zone scoring, and Parker could do that.
22. Jalen Collins, CB, LSU – Collins reminds me of a young Ike Taylor. Big and fast, but he has a ways to go before he’ll be ready to start, and there’s definitely high bust potential.
