SCB Steelers Quick Hitters: The ‘Draft Nuggets’ Edition

Good Monday to you Steelers Fans.

Draft week has arrived. On Thursday evening the Pittsburgh Steelers will select 20th in the first round of the National Football League Draft. While there is always the possibility (especially in the Omar Khan Era) of a trade up or trade down, we’ll go ahead and assume for discussion purposes that the Steelers remain there. Here are some thoughts on what we are hearing.

Graham Barton of Duke

It’s not secret the Steelers love versatility especially on the offensive line, but that isn’t always something they look for in round one of the Draft. Barton has played both tackle spots and center during his time at Duke but most experts seem to think that Barton might be best suited at guard in the NFL. The reason I think they pass on Barton is due to history. Not since they selected Evander ‘Ziggy’ Hood in the first round in the 2009 Draft have the Steelers taken a guy that Mike Tomlin didn’t see at his Pro Day. Go ahead and file Barton in that category. While he did make an official visit to the Steel City, it would be unusual to draft a guy that doesn’t fit this particular criteria. Furthermore, do the Steelers see Barton as a Tackle or Center? They don’t need a guard currently and his center reps were in his freshman season. I certainly don’t want a repeat of Kendrick Green. As a Tackle, he’s very good as a run blocker but I have concerns elsewhere.

Bama, UGA, Clemson and Michigan

Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan attended just four Pro Days together and the above four schools are those I’m speaking.  If you look at the two key offensive line positions there aren’t that many among here that would rank as first rounders. JC Latham and Amarius Mims are the only two first round Tackles at these four schools and there aren’t any Centers among the four that would garner a selection at 20. Sedrick Van Pran is a Center option but likely in the third round. Michigan offers a slew of interior players, some with Center position but again, none in the first. Obviously the Draft is much more than just the first round but in terms of that ‘criteria’ the Steelers’ first round pick falls under it’s going to be interesting.

Wide Receiver

Have you heard that the Steelers are good at drafting Wide Receivers? They are but this year there is added significance. There is literally no “number two” receiver opposite George Pickens right now and while many feel a trade for a veteran seems likely, it hasn’t happened. Therefore who do they look to in the Draft? There are tall, athletic guys like Rome Odunze and AD Mitchell but they’ll likely be gone or if one is there, is it too high for a WR? There are smaller guys like Roman Wilson who would fit perfectly in the slot but that doesn’t solve the issues on the outside. Xavier Legette or Malachi Corley seems like possibilities as does Florida’s Rickey Pearsall but there just isn’t a clear indicator of the direction the Steelers are going here.

Odds and Ends

Do not be surprised if the Steelers take a tight end. This isn’t a great TE class but there are some good blocking tight ends available in the mid to later rounds. I realize the team already has a roster filled with at this position but the Steelers never turn down opportunities to get better at a spot even if it’s relatively stable… I feel the same way about the EDGE position. Right now the Steelers are three-deep with T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig but they are always looking for talent here… We already know Omar Khan is not afraid to trade up and if the guy they want is within three picks as Broderick Jones was last year, don’t be surprised if they do it again. Personally I’d like to see a trade down for an extra pick or two.

Draft Prep

Click on this link which will take you to all of our Draft Profiles and Mock Drafts. We’ll start rolling out more profiles later this week.