Every April the NFL Draft gives fans everywhere something most of them desperately need- hope. Maybe your favorite team lost in the Super Bowl and they might get those couple of players that push them over the edge to victory. Or maybe your team finished dead last- but this year they have the first pick and will finally get that franchise player that will turn things around! The Draft is the place that excitement and hope for the future comes not only to the fans but to the prospects that are fulfilling their lifelong dreams.
For Steelers fans it’s a little different. For years now we have all been stuck in NFL purgatory. Mike Tomlin finishes with a slightly above .500 win rate so there will be no changes there. But it’s almost become a given that they’ll lose in the first round of the playoffs. The outcome of this being that they will have a selection in the low 20’s. Meaning there is zero chance of drafting the most elite quarterback prospect or possibly even the top prospect at a particular position. So, they have to do their homework- and uncover players that pan out and play above their expectations. It’s not impossible; T.J. Watt was drafted in the first round at pick 30, and Cam Heyward drafted at pick 31 of their respective drafts.
So let’s get those hope juices flowing, shall we? Here is my first Post-Combine Steelers mock draft.
Round 1- #21 Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
To me, Egbuka is the perfect receiver for the Steelers to compliment George Pickens. He can play in the slot or outside and has great hands. Coaches and fans will love his willingness to block. He has a high football IQ and is not a diva.
Round 2- #52 Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State
Thomas had great performances in Senior Bowl practices and was considered one of the best at his position. He may need time to develop, but he has the size and tools to evolve into a high-quality NFL starter. He plays with physicality and is a willing tackler in the run game.
Round 3- #83 T.J. Sanders, DL, South Carolina
Do I expect Sanders to fall this far? Absolutely not. But in every draft there are always players that do. T.J. Sanders has a high motor and is effective as both a run-stuffer and an interior pass rusher. He can learn from Cam Heyward and eventually assume his role. Plus his name is T.J.; come on now.
Round 4- #122 Jamaree Caldwell, DL, Oregon
In this scenario, the Steelers double up on defensive lineman. If this were to work out like I expect, they can move Benton to DE, slot Caldwell in at NT, and will have Sanders at the other DE position. The line would be established for years. Caldwell is a prototypical nose tackle and would clog up the middle of their 3-4 defense.
Round 5- #163 Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee
Sampson is only 5’8, but he weighs in at 200 lbs., so he is a compact runner that does well after contact. He has good vision and bust, and he has the speed for the chunk plays that the Steelers have been lacking. Sampson also wasn’t overused in college so there is plenty of tread left on the tires. If this wasn’t such a deep RB class, there is no way he lasts this long.
Round 7- #225 Xavier Truss, OG, Georgia
Truss is a player that has great versatility and will immediately offer depth on the offensive line. He has experience at both tackle and guard. Tomlin and his staff also love SEC players.
Round 7- #238 Jimmy Horn Jr., WR Colorado
Horn has the NFL pedigree and although he is undersized is a crisp route runner and can create separation. He has kick/punt return experience and after a solid combine performance his stock is on the rise. He met with Steelers’ brass at the Shrine Bowl.
Round 7- #247 Craig Woodson, S, Cal
Woodson is a versatile safety who has shown man coverage ability and aggressiveness in the run game. He will initially contribute on special teams but could ultimately be a depth piece at safety.
Conclusion
There will be many changes in the weeks to come with Pro Days, private meetings, medicals, and especially free agency signings. So my chances of getting any of these picks correct are slim to none. Additionally, I do not expect Omar Khan to stand pat with these picks and there will be trades to be made. But it’s very, very important to be prepared just in case ol’ Rooney gives me the call to step in and make the selections for them. Hey- it could happen!
