Mock drafts are like noses in that everyone has one. And many folks treat such endeavors like that certain popular brand of potato chip — you can’t have just one.
Not here.
This mock for the Pittsburgh Steelers is the first and only one I have produced this year. It required minutes of research — OK, maybe an hour — while trying to factor logic and positional need into the equation.
Hey, it worked last year when I correctly predicted four players the Steelers would draft. Didn’t get them all in the correct round, but I pegged Devin Bush, Benny Snell, Isaiah Buggs and Diontae Johnson as future Steelers.
So while trying to see whether a blind squirrel can find the acorn a second year in a row, here is how I envision the Steelers’ draft unfolding:
Second round (No. 49)
Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin: The Steelers are looking for a durable three-down back to push James Conner for the starting job. Taylor fits the bill even if some question whether he was overused at Wisconsin. Florida State’s Cam Akers is the fallback if Taylor is off the board.
Third round, comp. (No. 102)
Devin Duvernay, WR, Texas: With 4.39 speed, Duvernay would be the fastest receiver on the roster and would provide Ben Roethlisberger with a big-play deep threat. He had 106 catches for 1,386 yards as a senior.
Fourth round (No. 124)
Ben Bredeson, G, Michigan: It’s time for the Steelers to start replenishing the line, and Bredeson played left guard — Ramon Foster’s vacated spot — for the Wolverines. Bredeson’s arrival would allow the Steelers to keep Matt Feiler at right tackle.
Fourth round (No. 135)
Jacob Phillips, LB, LSU: With Devin White leaving for a top-five draft spot a year ago, Phillips stepped up in the middle of LSU’s defense and led the Tigers with 133 tackles. The Steelers need to fortify the position with loss of Mark Barron and Tyler Matakevich.
Sixth round (No. 198)
Tanner Muse, S, Clemson: Muse ran a 4.41 40 at the NFL Combine and could be eased into the hybrid linebacker role. He had four interceptions as a senior.
Seventh round (No. 232)
Alton Robinson, Edge, Syracuse: A three-year starter at defensive end, Robinson would convert to a 3-4 pass rusher with the Steelers. He ran the 40 in 4.69 seconds at the NFL Combine and had 19 career sacks for the Orange.
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