By Matt Papiernik, @Matt_Papiernik on Twitter
SteelerNation.com
With the 2020 NFL Draft looming closer day by day, I am going to be doing a quick mock draft every Monday just for the Pittsburgh Steelers, utilizing the mock draft tool at thedraftnetwork.com. This is the first one I am doing in this series, and unfortunately, compensatory draft picks will not be included for a few more weeks as they will get released in late March/early April. With the Steelers expected to receive a 3rd round compensatory pick, that can make a rather large impact on their draft strategy. This will also be the only Monday Mock that I will do pre-combine, with the NFL Scouting Combine taking place February 27th-March 1st.
With the Steelers first pick, I went with Justin Madubuike, a defensive lineman out of Texas A&M. With the Steelers likely to lose Javon Hargrave in free agency this off-season, Madubuike can step in early and give the defensive line a boost. Similarly to how Hargrave was last season, Madubuike likely wouldn't be utilized in the traditional nose tackle role, but instead moved around a couple gaps depending on formation and personnel. He also checks some of the boxes the Steelers tend to look for in early round picks, being an underclassman and from a Power 5 conference.
Solomon Kindley fits nicely for the Steelers in the fourth round, as it appears Ramon Foster may become a cap casualty this off-season. Even if Foster is retained another year, the Steelers will need to add some depth there as their primary backup, BJ Finney, is an unrestricted free agent, and Foster will be entering his age 34 season. Kindley was a mauler for Georgia this past season, and has shown to be pretty light on his feet in pass-protection in college.
Many people are projecting the Steelers to add a tight end somewhere this off-season, and I think they can do that in the middle rounds with Colby Parkinson. Parkinson is a big target with athleticism that can add a vertical threat in the middle of the field. At Stanford, he wasn't asked to be an inline blocker as much as others, but he was moved around a lot and that versatility will help his transition to the NFL.
Whether or not the Steelers are able to resign Bud Dupree, they will likely add to their outside linebacker group as there has been little production behind their starters. Tipa Galea'l had a very productive 2018 season, followed up by a pedestrian 2019. This will cause him to slide a bit on draft day, but that could work into the Steelers favor, potentially finding a high upside steal in the late rounds.
Lastly, Ben Roethlisberger hasn't had a consistent big target since early in his career with Plaxico Burress. They can potentially fix that problem late by adding a receiver like Benjimen Victor. Victor was a big target for the Ohio State Buckeyes during his time there, and already has a very developed route tree. He doesn't always play up to his size, but the tools are there.
Let us know what you think of Matt's Monday Mock Draft!
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