Round 1: Devin Bush, ILB, Michigan (10th overall with trades - Steelers send 20th overall, 2019 4th Round Pick, 2020 2nd Round Pick)
This trade makes too much sense. There have been reports about the Broncos' desire to trade back and the Steelers will need to get into the top-15, and maybe even the top-10, to take one of the top inside linebackers, most likely Devin Bush. The Steelers need to be more aggressive considering their losses this year, and this is the perfect way to do so, especially considering that they have 10 picks this year and will be receiving a 3rd-Round compensatory pick due to the Le'Veon Bell signing. The Steelers can trade up 10 and jump ahead of the Cincinnati Bengals and acquire a center piece for their defense.
Round 2: Justin Layne, CB, Michigan State
Layne is a Steelers cornerback. At 6'2" 192 lbs, Layne is a larger, physical corner with tremendous upside. As a converted Wide Receiver, Justin Layne has impressive ball skills and can finally force some turnovers for the Steelers defense.
Round 3: Miles Boykin, WR, Notre Dame
Ben Roethlsiberger has always wanted larger receivers. At 6'4" 220 lbs and with a 43.5 inch vertical, Boykin is an athletic freak. He is the perfect deep threat to complement JuJu Smith-Schuster and stray the defense away from young, confidence-needy James Washington.
Round 3: Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama
There have been reports about Thompson's falling draft stock, but he is still an absolute steal on the latter end of the 3rd round. His upside is truly endless. In the first half of the season, Thompson was the clear leader of a violent Alabama defense, but he ended off the poorly with some mistakes and disappointing performances towards the end of the year. He is in the perfect spot to develop behind Sean Davis who can at least keep a cap on things, if unable to make splash plays.
Round 5: Devine Ozigbo, RB, Nebraska
I've heard the hype about Ozigbo for quite a while now, but I've only warmed up to him recently. The large back is balanced and can catch the ball exceptionally, especially considering backs his size (like Jordan Howard) are never expected to be major threats in the passing game.
Round 6: Andrew Van Ginkel, EDGE, Wisconsin
Van Ginkel is the perfect depth piece for the the Steelers 3-4 scheme. An outside linebacker who can cover is essential if they plan to find a more traditional pass rusher to replace Bud Dupree. Van Ginkel can rotate in on 3rd-down and maybe the long-term replacement for Anthony Chickillo, despite the fact that he just got a new deal.
Round 6: Alex Bars, OL, Notre Dame
Bars has been my favorite late round prospect for the Steelers for the last two months. I don't know if he will last to the 6th-round but his versatility makes him the perfect backup for the Steelers. He can play all across the line, and he excels among the interior positions, which is especially important because Ramon Foster and Maurkice Pouncey are aging.
Round 7: Isaac Nauta, TE, Georgia
Isaac Nauta could be a steal in the 7th round and offers receiving/blocking upside despite his poor combine performance and lack of college production. He was efficient when he did get the ball, and he could excel as the NO. 2 TE on the Steelers.
Round 7: Jalen Hurd, WR, Baylor
Hurd is a versatile "big slot" kind of receiver, who could eventually make the move outside. As a converted RB, he could take some time to learn the position, but he is clearly talented and a perfect No. 4 for the team.
UDFA Class:
Wes Hills, RB, Slippery Rock
Jah'Shawn Johnson, S, Texas Tech
Zach Gentry, TE, Michigan
Matheiu Betts, EDGE, Laval
Brad Mayes, QB, Lehigh
Olive Sagapolu, DT, Wisconsin
Brian Peavy, CB, Iowa State
Chase McLaughlin, K, Illinois
Mac Loudermilk, P, Central Florida
