It’s still very early in draft season, and for the Steelers it hasn’t truly started since they’re still in the playoffs. It’s still fun though to examine the Steelers draft needs and potential players they can choose.

Using Matt Millers most recent big board and mock draft, I compiled 2 players that the Steelers could take in each of their first 3 rounds.

Just to preface, I am not a draft expert or even a scout by any means. The players listed are ones who fit the Steelers draft needs and could be around during the Steelers selections.

Round 1

Carl Lawson (EDGE) Auburn: Steelers fans rarely ever agree unanimously on something, but most should be able to agree that an edge rusher is the Steelers greatest need this year. Jarvis Jones is most likely leaving and James Harrison, though playing at a high level, has limited time remaining in his career.

Carl Lawson is an edge rusher that would fit well with the Steelers. When healthy he has proven to be one of the best pass rushers in college football. Similar to how he developed Bud Dupree, an ideal scenario would be rotating Lawson with James Harrison as he develops. the duo of Lawson and Dupree would terrorize quarterbacks for years to come.

Marshon Lattimore (CB) Ohio State: Though I believe an edge rusher is our most likely target for the first round, there are scenario’s where we could take a cornerback. Cornerback Ross Cockrell is a restricted free agent this year, and though I believe he will be resigned, nothing is ever guaranteed in the NFL.

If Cockrell leaves, that leaves a gaping hole at left cornerback. Though William Gay could fill in, he works best playing in the slot like he has this season. Sure Senquez Golson is on the roster and could be a future starter in the slot or on the outside, but considering he’s missed his first two seasons due to injury it would be foolish to rely on him.

Marshon Lattimore has the size and build to slide right into the starting lineup and play on the right side. Plus the Steelers love their Buckeyes.

Round 2

Adoree Jackson (CB) USC: Whether or not the Steelers keep Cockrell, selecting a cornerback in the draft is certainly a possibility. Gay is getting older and only has 2 years left remaining on his contract and as said before, Golson cannot be relied upon.

Adoree Jackson is a great fit for the Steelers. He would bring even more speed and athleticism to this defense, factors that the Steelers have prioritized in their defenders in recent years. Just look at Artie Burns, Sean Davis, Bud Dupree, and Ryan Shazier. All athletic specimen.

Jackson could also potentially return kickoffs, an area the Steelers have struggled in this year. Even if he doesn’t have an instant impact on defense, on special teams he could be a major contributor.

Jake Butt (TE) Michigan: A month ago I never would have mock Jake Butt to the Steelers, let alone in the 2nd round. Butt suffered an unfortunate injury in the Orange Bowl, tearing his ACL. This will certainly cause him to fall in the draft, which makes him a potential target for the Steelers.

The Steelers tight end group appears murky at this point. Ladarius Green has missed the last few games with a concussion and some even speculate his time in Pittsburgh could be over sooner than later. Jesse James has improved in his sophomore season, but it’s still uncertain whether he’s truly good enough to be a starter. David Johnson and Xavier Grimble round out the rest of the depth chart and both are merely solid depth with limited ceilings.

Butt could be a future starter on this team and wouldn’t need to be rushed onto the field. His blocking needs improvement, but as a pass-catcher Butt would be a major weapon.

Round 3

Jarron Jones (DL) Notre Dame: The Steelers have used all of their depth at defensive line this year. With Cam Heyward being placed on injured reserve, as well as Stephon Tuitt and Ricardo Mathews dealing with injuries, the depth has been thin. Players like L.T. Walton have impressed, but the Steelers need to bolster the trenches and add more depth.

at 6’5 315 pounds, Jarron Jones is a big man. One of Jones’ greatest weakness’ is his consistency. He has all the athleticism to be a greta player, but can’t always put it all together. The Steelers defensive line coach John Mitchell has done incredible work in recent years and could turn Jones into a force to be reckoned with.

Davis Webb (QB) Cal: I am certainly not an advocate for drafting a quarterback this early, but it’s hard to deny the possibility. With Landry Jones becoming a free agent, the Steelers are in need of a new back-up.

In last years draft the Steelers even looked into drafting a quarterback. The team met with Dak Prescott prior to the draft, but shortly after their meeting Prescott got arrested for a DUI. Whether or not the Steelers actually would’ve drafted Prescott I have no idea, but it’s safe to assume his DUI got him removed from our draft board.

With no pressing needs on this time besides outside linebacker, drafting a quarterback is an entirely possible scenario.