In what has to be the Pittsburgh Steelers’ busiest offseason that I can recall, it feels only right to get version two of our mock draft out to you. With significant changes to the quarterback and wide receiver rooms among other positions, there’s no doubt the focus of the Steelers’ draft plan has changed. With that thought in mind let’s take a look and remember, I always do these based on what I think the Steelers will do, not what I would do.
Round One (No.20) – Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Although Mims is currently climbing draft boards suggesting he may not be there at 20, I’m going to go ahead and say that a run on QBs will allow him to be there for us. Mims is a massive human being with great length and athleticism. He has just eight starts in college but the upside here is too much to pass up on. He, along with Broderick Jones, could solidify the Steelers’ tackle positions for years to come.
Mock 1.0 Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
Round Two (No.51) – Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky
With the trade of Diontae Johnson, adding a wide receiver becomes paramount. Corley is not the route runner the Steelers typically would draft in this spot, but there are just too many positives to pass him by. His run-after-catch ability might be the best in this Draft and he can offer teams versatility as not just a receiver but also a ball carrier a la Deebo Samuel. He often lets the ball get into his body a bit too much but he still finds ways to win contested catches. I assume the Steelers will add a veteran WR besides Van Jefferson but until they do a guy like Corley seems perfect.
Mock 1.0 Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia
Round Three (No.84) – Sedrick Van Pran, C, Georgia
Van Pran is long on experience and is a bona fide leader on the field and in the locker room. He has great size and the ability to control the gaps to both sides run blocks like a bulldozer. He anticipates well and consistently picks up stunts and twists. There are some issues to clean up in pass protection but I really believe these are things that can be coached. He’s an instant plug and play guy in my book.
Mock 1.0 Max Melton, CB, Rutgers
Round Three (No.98 via PHI) – Khyree Jackson, CB, Oregon
Jackson is long and aggressive and is known to get a bit too ‘handsy’ in coverage. Sound familiar? He’s a little bit less talented version of Joey Porter, Jr who would be an ideal fit on the other side of JPJ. He’s a willing tackler and comes up with authority on the run and shorter throws. Does a nice job in zone coverage as well. He’s got some ‘change of direction’ issues but I really think he would be perfect for the Steelers’ D.
Round Four (No.119) – McKinnley Jackson, DL, Texas A&M
At just a shade over 6’1″ Jackson is on the small side but he’s an explosive player who relies on speed, burst and unusual length. He consistently forces running backs to alter their course and can blow plays up with his penetration. He actually saw some time on the edge at A&M mostly as a down player so he might be able to play some 5-tech if needed. He’ll need to refine his hand usage but I think he’s a steal in the fourth.
Mock 1.0 Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida
Round Six (No.178 via CAR) -Marist Liufau, LB, Notre Dame
Despite signing Patrick Queen, the Steelers still have concerns over when Cole Holcomb will be available and if Kwon Alexander is able to re-sign with them. Liufau is not going to be a starter any time soon in his career if at all but he’s a smart player with an incredible motor. He’s a very good blitzer who consistently comes at different times and from different angles. There are certainly limitations to his game but he’s also been a special teams demon for the Irish too and you can never have enough of those.
Round Six (No.195) – Tip Reiman, TE, Illinois
We could easily argue that the Steelers don’t need another tight end. With Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington and Connor Heyward all under contract, it seems a waste of a pick. I really think they go down this road for one important reason, Reiman might be one of the best inline blockers in the Draft. He’s an above average athlete who excels on shorter and underneath routes. He catches the ball well despite less than 40 total receptions in four seasons for the Illini. Make no mistake, he’s a blocker first and foremost and in Arthur Smith’s offense that’s what matters.
Mock 1.0 Sione Vaki, S, Utah
