By Matt Papiernik, @Matt_Papiernik on Twitter
SteelerNation.com
The 2020 NFL Draft is less than two weeks away, and I am doing a quick mock draft every week just for the Pittsburgh Steelers, utilizing the mock draft tool at thedraftnetwork.com. This is the seventh in this series, and now, features the Steelers 3rd round compensatory pick that they were awarded, which is number 102 overall. It also takes into consideration the first few weeks of NFL Free Agency, which is where the Steelers addressed some areas of need by signing players like Eric Ebron and Stefen Wisniewski. Let's get it started!
The Steelers are now in a position where they can take the best player available in the draft. In the past few weeks, that has been offensively focused in my mocks. However, this week they add another playmaker to an already great secondary in Kyle Dugger, a safety out of Lenoir-Rhyme University. Until the combine week, many fans hadn't heard of Dugger, let alone know he could be a high draft pick this year. Dugger offers an extremely rare blend of size, speed, quickness, and instincts that are rarely found in the second round. Dugger will likely need some development, specifically reading NFL offenses and QB's due to playing at a D2 program. Dugger also has potential to fill the nickel linebacker role the Steelers have been looking to fill, as he has the size to hold up in the trenches. Dugger has as high of a ceiling as anyone, and with the Steelers already elite defense, they can afford to take a risk on a player with his skill set.
Jabari Zuniga is someone who could flourish as a rotational pass rusher early on, as well as develop into a good starter down the road. Zuniga is fast, twitchy, strong, and long, which are all features that are needed in the Steelers 3-4 defense from outside linebackers. He definitely has some room to add strength in his legs to better support against the run, as well as sure up his technique to develop some counter rush moves. If the Steelers can't come to a long term agreement with Bud Dupree, this might be his last season in Pittsburgh, which makes OLB a big hole heading into 2021 if left unaddressed now. Worst case, Zuniga can rotate in and provide a great security blanket behind the great duo of Dupree and Watt.
Seems weird for a mock to have the Steelers addressing their defense with their first two picks, as their defense was elite last season while the offense struggled. While their defense was elite, one of their two biggest needs in my opinion is safety/nickel linebacker. The other biggest need? Interior offensive line which leads to my next selection of John Simpson.
John Simpson is someone the Steelers have shown a lot of interest in, as they met with him at his pro day. Simpson loves playing down hill and makes small creases turn into massive holes in the run game. Simpson is also quick on his feet, as he has shown to be excellent pulling around and in the screen game. The Steelers need to find a way to improve their running game, especially since team president Art Rooney II said so. When the man talks, you listen. Simpson needs a little work with quicker rushers in the passing game, but he has the ability to step in immediately and add a needed pop upfront after Ramon Foster's retirement.
The Steelers other 4th round pick here, Lynn Bowden, is a very unique prospect. Last year at Kentucky he was moved to quarterback for a good part of the season due to several injuries the wildcats had at the position. Bowden has some success carrying the offense on his back, but his NFL career relies on his ability as a receiver. Bowden is quick, twitchy, and has a solid route tree to work with coming out of college. He is also able to contribute in the running game as a potential change of pace option, as he has proven his ability to find running lanes and absorb contact running in the trenches. Bowden may need some time to polish his skills due to losing most of his final season at the position in college, but he should be able to provide immediate assistance in the return game and sub packages on offense.
The Steelers were unable to re-sign Javon Hargrave this off-season as he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, this was anticipated however, but the Steelers can now could afford to add some depth to their defensive line. They did add some depth along the offense line by adding Chris Wormley via trade, but they definitely could still use help in the middle. In comes Benito Jones, who is a big body in the middle that moves a lot quicker than anticipated when you see him fire out of his stance. Jones is a very good pass rusher that shows flashes similar to what Hargrave did coming out of college. Jones isn't the run stuffer that Hargrave was, but he has the frame and strength to become one. Jones will need to be able to hold up against the run to become the Steelers new NT, but he has the necessary tools to take over that role.
Even though I have the Steelers taking Simpson in the 4th round in this mock, I definitely think they could afford to double dip on the offensive line, and they do that here snagging one of my sleeper picks Tyre Phillips. Phillips only has one year of starting at the D1 level, but he proved to be an anchor for Mississippi State's offensive line holding down the left side. Phillips is projected to be a guard by some and a swing tackle by others. Either way the Steelers would view him, they could use his help. Along with Foster's retirement and BJ Finney signing with the Seahawks this offseason, they currently have three of their offensive tackles heading for free agency. Phillips would be a great fit as a right tackle in the Steelers offense, or becoming the new swing tackle if they are able to retain some of their current players.
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