I just want to preface this mock draft by saying this is my first article for SteelerNation and I am extremely excited to have this opportunity to work on this site, and connect more with Steelers Nation! Lets get into the mock, provided by WalkTheMock.com
*DISCLAIMER* This was done with a simulation. walkthemock uses their own draft rankings that factor into the simulation, I took what was available when it was.
1:20 - LB Devin White, LSU
2:20 - WR A.J. Brown, Mississippi
3:2 - EDGE Chase Winovich, Michigan
3:19 - CB Trayvon Mullen, Clemson
4:20 - LB Khalil Hodge, Buffalo
5:3 - TE Zach Gentry, Michigan
6:2 - DL Kingsley Keke, Texas A&M
6:19 - SS Amani Hooker, Iowa
6:34 - RB Benny Snell Jr., Kentucky
7:5 - WR Jalen Hurd, Baylor
Rd 1 P 20: Devin White -LB LSU: Well okay Walk the Mock. Dropping a Top 10 player into the laps of the Steelers at pick 20. This is absolutely a dream scenario for Steelers fan and Steelers management alike. If Devin White is available when the Steelers are on the clock, it would be the easiest pick for Kevin Colbert and company.
Others Considered: Noah Fant - TE Iowa, N'Keal Harry - WR Arizona State, Deandre Baker - CB Georgia
Rd 2 P 52: AJ Brown - WR Ole Miss: One of my favorite under the radar WRs in this years draft, AJ Brown is one of the more complete pro prospects in the draft, but is being overshadowed by his freakishly athletic teammate DK Metcalf. A two-sport athlete drafted by the San Diego Padres, AJ Brown brings all the intangibles you want in a WR. Lets not forget hes the all time receiving yards leader at Ole Miss, and has the most 100 yard games in Ole Miss history. Another great WR drafted in the second round by the Steelers.
Others Considered: Deebo Samuel - WR South Carolina, Marquise Brown - WR Oklahoma, Deionte Thompson - FS Alabama
Rd 3 P 66: Chase Winovich - EDGE Michigan: The Antonio Brown trade is already paying dividends with Chase Winovich being available early in the 3rd round. Winovich is a local product, who has already had a formal visit with Steelers officials, and would love to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is a high-motor player who plays with an edge, and would be a great addition to play opposite of TJ Watt.
Others Considered: Julian Love - CB Notre Dame, Jaquan Johnson - SS Miama, Trayvon Mullen - CB Clemson
Rd 3 P 83: Trayvon Mullen - CB Clemson: The signing of Steven Nelson dropped CB as a major draft need, but Trayvon Mullen was too good to pass up here. A 3 year starter at Clemson, Mullen shows great size and coverage ability to be a top corner in the NFL. His ability was really showcased in the National Championship game against Alabama where he won Defensive MVP, with 6 tackles, and sack, interception, and forced fumble to help secure a Clemson win. A turnover machine the Steelers defense so desperately needs.
Others Considered: Justin Layne - CB Michigan St, Jace Sternberger - TE Texas A&M, LJ Collier - DL TCU
Rd 4 P 122: Khalil Hodge - LB Buffalo: Yes I know we already drafted Devin White, but when a player like Khalil Hodge falls into your lap, you have to take him, and it fits right in with the Steelers best player available drafting method. Khalil Hodge was a 3 year starter for a non-powerhouse Buffalo Bulls team in the MAC. That didnt stop him from racking up a monstrous 419 tackles in his 3 year career, along with 5.5 sacks, 3 interceptions, and 3 forced fumbles. He has all the tools to be a 3 down linebacker in the NFL, but it may take him a while to make the transition. A great depth pick with starting potential.
Others Considered: Kaleb McGary - OT Washington, Mike Weber - RB Ohio State, CJ Conrad - TE Kentucky
Rd 5 P 141: Zach Gentry - TE Michigan: The Steelers dip back into the Michigan pool to select Zach Gentry in the 5th round. Some much needed tight end depth after the departure of Jesse James, Gentry is the big bodied TE Ben Roethlisberger has been dreaming of having for years. Coming in a 6'8" 262 lbs, with 32 catches for 514 yards and 2 touchdowns. There is the concern that he is a converted quarterback, and may still be a little raw at the tight end postion, but he doesnt need to be a day 1 starter. He can come in on red zone packages to create a giant mismatch for opposing defenders.
Others Considered: Mike Weber - RB Ohio State, Andrew Wingard - SS Wyoming, Trysten Hill - NT UCF
Rd 6 P 175: Kingsley Keke - DL Texas A&M: Picking up some late defensive line depth here in the 6th round. Kingsley Keke has some impressive flexibility and bend for being 6'3" 305 lbs, but he lacks a lot of explosiveness off the line, and struggles to string together pass rush moves efficiently. Has the tools to develop into a rotational player, potentially even a starter, but will need to work on some his fundamentals before he can see himself starting.
Others Considered: Amani Hooker - SS Iowa, Daniel Wise - DL Kansas, Bryce Love - RB Stanford
Rd 6 P 192: Amani Hooker - SS Iowa: So after I locked in the Kingsley Keke pick, I was kicking myself a bit for not taking Amani Hooker, thankfully he was still available 17 picks later. The 2018 Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year has a lot to like. He shows great range in zone coverage, an ability to follow the quarterbacks eyes, great run defense, and a high football IQ. His acceleration isnt anything to write home about and struggles in over the top coverage, but could find himself playing in sub packages early.
Others Considered: Alex Bars - G Notre Dame
Rd 6 P 207: Benny Snell III - RB Kentucky: The Steelers dont find themselves with a pressing need at running back, but still have an open roster spot for one. Benny Snell III would be a great rotational guy to fit into that group. At 5'10" 223 lbs, Snell's power lies in his ability to run in between the tackles, create space with his vision, and the power he brings to every run. On the other hand he doesnt show great burst and is a non-factor in the receiving game. A sneakily good pass blocker, Benny Snell III could find himself rotating in sparingly his rookie year.
Others Considered: Troy Dye - LB Oregon, Jackson Barton - OT Utah
Rd 7 P 219: Jalen Hurd - WR - Baylor: Hurd is an interesting prospect, playing running back at Tennessee for 3 years before transferring to Baylor. He is a big framed WR, coming in at 6'4", but is raw at the position, especially with his route running. Aside from that he has naturally good hands, and great after catch ability, no doubt benefiting from his time at running back. Practice squad or special teams player with a lot of work to do, but has a good upside.
Others Considered: Kendall Baker - OT Georgia, Demarcus Christmas - DL Florida State
Let me know in the comments what you guys think!
