Joe Rutter's mock draft: Steelers will play it by the book, take RB, center early

Mock drafts can humble a football writer faster than T.J. Watt rushing the edge.

One year you’re riding high, patting yourself on the back for predicting four of the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted players correctly (Devin Bush, Benny Snell, Diontae Johnson and Isaiah Buggs).

The next year you’re whiffing more frequently than Anthony Alford.

Such was life last year when I didn’t predict a wide receiver going to the Steelers in the second round. It quickly went downhill from there.

This year, the head is clearer and, with the Steelers actually having a first-round pick, the chance of making a correct pick or two has better odds than winning the Powerball.

This mock — my one and only of the spring — plays it close to the vest because I expect the Steelers to have a by-the-numbers draft as they address several positional vacancies. It doesn’t factor in any trades, although I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Steelers trade down in the first round.

1. (24) Najee Harris, RB, Alabama: The next step in improving the running game.

2. (55) Quinn Meinerz, C, Wisconsin-Whitewater: Solidifies the pivot and also addresses the running game.

3. (87) Jamin Davis, ILB, Kentucky: He can be groomed to start full time next to Devin Bush in 2022.

4. (128) Tommy Tremble, TE, Notre Dame: Another way to help the running game is getting a premier run-blocking tight end.

4. (140) Jamar Johnson, S, Indiana: Steelers need a corner, but he could help inside in subpackages.

6. (216) Janarius Robinson, Edge, Florida State: Depth pick is needed behind Watt, Alex Highsmith.

7 . (245) Robert Jones, T/G, Middle Tennessee State: Another piece added to restructured O-line.

7. (254) Buddy Johnson, LB, Texas A&M: Could provide help on special teams.