By Adam McCoy
SteelerNation.com
There is still a little over 4 months until the Pittsburgh Steelers will be on the clock in the 2020 NFL Draft, but it is never too early for mock drafts. As I did last year, I will be using Total Draft Network's mock draft machine to simulate my mock draft using their current player rankings (as of 1/17/2020). Let's jump right into it.
Round 2 Pick 49: IDL Raekwon Davis - Alabama
The writing is seemingly on the wall for Javon Hargrave to be on his way out of Pittsburgh. He has shown excellent growth over the term of his rookie contract, and with the amount of money already tied up in the defensive line, and with Bud Dupree being the top priority this off-season, Hargrave finds himself as the odd man out. Enter Raekwon Davis. Coming in at 6'7" 306 pounds, Davis doesn't carry the typical nose tackle frame, something the Steelers have shied away from in recent history. Davis has incredible length and power, and decent leverage despite his longer frame. His wingspan and size allow him to take on multiple blockers at a time and fill multiple gaps. There wasn't the jump from 2017 to 2018 and 2019 that most were expecting though, going from 8.5 sacks his sophomore year, to just 1.5 and 0.5 his junior and senior year, respectively. His pass rushing skills do need some work, but some time with Karl Dunbar, and veterans Cam Heyward and Stephon Tuitt, Davis could very well be able to plug right in for Javon Hargrave if he falls to the 2nd round here.
Others considered: OT Prince Tega Wanogho - Auburn, TE Hunter Bryant - Washington
Round 4 Pick 114: TE Albert Okwuegbunam - Missouri
Affectionately coined "Albert O", Albert Okwuegbunam enjoyed a productive career at Missouri, with 98 receptions, 1,187 yards, and 23 touchdowns over 3 years. Albert O's strengths lie in his size, soft hands, and catch radius. He won't blow anyone away with his speed, so don't expect much of a vertical threat from him. Where he does thrive is driving the seams, playing underneath, and in the red zone. He shows the ability to run through smaller would-be tacklers, but won't make many miss in the open field. His blocking has improved over time, but still can't be considered a strength of his. Would be great utilized flexed out, something the Steelers like to do with their tight-ends. With the return of Vance McDonald questionable, the Steelers desperately need to add to their tight end room, and Albert O could be a great addition.
Others Considered: TE Colby Parkinson - Stanford, IOL Zack Shackelford - Texas
Round 4 Pick 125: OT Cole Van Lanen - Wisconsin
Despite consistently boasting one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, that unit is not getting any younger, and it's time to start looking towards the future. Cole Van Lanen played 3 years at Wisconsin, blocking for Jonathan Taylor. It's no secret Wisconsin is a run first team, and in the 3 years Van Lanen played, Taylor rushed for over 6,000 yards, and a whopping 50 touchdowns during that time. Van Lanen has a ton of natural power with his size and foot speed, and should be able to fit right in while run-blocking at the NFL level. His hand work could use improvement, but his other strengths tend to offset that. Overall, Van Lanen is a monster run blocker who can swallow up defenders with his frame, and could develop into quite the NFL starter. If his career trajectory turns out to be anything like the last guy the Steelers took from Wisconsin, he should do just fine.
Others Considered: LB Shaquille Quarterman - Miami, OT Justin Herron - Wake Forest
Round 6 Pick 178: S Nigel Warrior - Tennessee
As you get into the later rounds, the names become less familiar, and the roles the players fill become smaller. Nigel Warrior has a name that's hard to forget, but it's his play that makes him stand out. Listed at 6'0", 190 pounds, Warrior started 33 consecutive games for the Vols, with 227 career tackles and 5 interceptions. Warrior was second on the team in tackles all three years as a starter. Coming into his senior year, there were some concerns about his play-making skills, with his angles and dropped interceptions being a focal point of concern. Those concerns were answered as Warrior recorded 4 interceptions his senior year to lead the Volunteers. Despite having Minkah Fitzpatrick and Terrell Edmunds in the starting safety roles, the future of Sean Davis is uncertain and beyond that, there is not much safety help. Warrior has shown great versatility during his time in Tennessee, lining up deep, in the slot, and in the box. His versatility, plus a lack of depth, could make Warrior a steal for the Steelers here in round six.
Others considered: S Jalen Elliot - Notre Dame, EDGE Trevon Hill - Miami
Round 7 Pick 209: WR Chase Claypool - Notre Dame
The 2020 wide receiver draft class has the potential to go down as one of the best classes in recent history. With all the talent at the top, there are bound to be some guys who slip through the cracks and fall into Day 3. Enter Chase Claypool. Listed at 6'4", 229 pounds, Claypool would instantly become the biggest receiver in the Steelers locker room, and he uses that size to his advantage. Claypool thrives on making contested catches, meeting the football at the high-point, and making concentration catches along the sideline. He showcases a diverse route tree that goes beyond what is expected of most big bodied receivers. Due to his size, Claypool doesn't bring much explosiveness to the table, he won't wow anyone with his speed and quickness. With that being said, he is very fluid in his motion. Claypool enjoyed his most productive year in 2019, with 66 receptions, 1,037 yards, and 13 touchdowns for the Fighting Irish. Chances are Claypool doesn't fall to the Steelers here, but it's a no-brainer for me if he does.
Others Considered: EDGE Patrick Jones - Pitt
Who do yinz want to see the Steelers draft come April? Let us know in the comments!
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