With the NFL Scouting Combine wrapped up and all the big free agents signed, it seems like a good time for another mock draft.

Despite the Steelers interest in some big name players, the team has stuck with their usual strategy of retaining their own players while signing some low-tier free agents to help round out the depth chart. While these signings won’t dramatically change how the Steelers approach the draft, it puts them in a position where they won’t have to reach for needs.

Round 1: Derek Rivers (EDGE) – Youngstown State

It’s hard imagining the Steelers going with any other position with their first round pick. They need a player to develop behind James Harrison (who contrary to popular belief, can’t play forever).

I was a Derek-denier for awhile, but I now think he is a legitimate candidate for the Steelers first round pick. When examining him the only glaring negative is the level of competition he faced. Other than that, he’s an edge rusher who has the talent to be a special player in this league. Steelers love players who are athletic, have high character, and have a strong work ethic – Rivers meets these criteria with ease.

It was reported that the Steelers met with Rivers at the NFL Combine and Joey Porter was present at his pro day, showing that the team has a legitimate interest in drafting him. I sure hope other teams keep sleeping on Rivers so he can fall right into our laps.

Round 2: Chidobie Awuzie (CB) – Colorado

The Steelers shored up their cornerback depth chart when they signed Coty Sensabaugh recently, but that acquisition is a stopgap, not a solution. William Gay isn’t getting any younger and Ross Cockrell doesn’t seem to be in the team’s long-term plans. It is more than likely that the Steelers address the secondary early in the draft.

The secondary depth in this draft class is historic. What that means is a great player is bound to fall to the Steelers pick in the second round; I believe Chidobe Awuzie could be one of those guys. Awuzie would be a perfect pick because he checks off many boxes for the Steelers: he’s athletic and fast, he has the ability to play press-man coverage, he has the versatility to play both on the outside and in nickel, and he’s a willing blitzer and tackler. There’s not much more to ask for from a cornerback.

Round 3a: Josh Jones (FS) – North Carolina State

After edge rusher and cornerback the Steelers are in a fortunate position because their biggest needs are filled. From this point on they can draft based on value.

Though he doesn’t seem old, Mike Mitchell is 29 and only has two years remaining on his contract with the Steelers. The Steelers haven’t drafted to fill future needs as much in recent years, but with no pressing needs remaining, they could revert back to this strategy. Because of this, and the lack of safety depth, Josh Jones would be a great pick.

Jones would be a great successor to Mike Mitchell, who he’s actually compared to in his draft profile on NFL.com. Jones brings the same hard-hitting style and fire that Mitchell is known for. Because Vince Williams (MLB) could be a liability in coverage, Jones could sub in for him in obvious passing situations. Jones would be able to contribute immediately in dime packages along with special teams.

Round 3b: Jamaal Williams (RB) – Brigham Young University

DeAngelo Williams has been the Steelers back-up running back for the past two years and has done a fantastic job, but he remains a free agent so it’s safe to assume the Steelers will be looking at running backs in this year’s draft.

There are many players should be available in this range so the Steelers should have their pick, but for now, my guy is Jamaal Williams. The Steelers love having tough, hard hitting running backs as the number two guy and Williams is just that. Williams will fit in perfectly with the Steelers style and culture, and could thrive behind Le’Veon Bell.

Round 4: George Kittle (TE) – Iowa

Mocking George Kittle is difficult. In some mock drafts, people have him going in the sixth round or even later. Before the combine, the only real buzz about Kittle was how great of a blocker was. However, people’s perspective on him changed after his combine performance.

Kittle was one of the most athletic tight ends at the combine this year, running the third-fastest 40-yard dash and jumping the third-longest broad jump. The players that beat him in this areas are ones who are often mocked in the first and second round.

Combine his fierce blocking with this athleticism, two qualities the Steelers love, and it’s hard to picture Kittle falling too far in the draft.

Round 5: Connor Harris (ILB) – Lindenwood

With Vince Williams promoted to being a starter following Lawrence Timmons‘ departure, the Steelers need inside linebacker depth.

What makes Connor Harris stand out? This number: 633.

That’s not his zip code, that’s how many tackles he had in college – the NCAA All-Division record. Production like that cannot be overlooked regardless of the level of competition he faced.

Harris isn’t the biggest or most athletic, but what he lacks in those areas he makes up in instincts, aggression, and work ethic. 5’11” may be small for a middle linebacker in the NFL, but you can never count out players with relentless work ethic. Harris will make his money on special teams early on, but he has the potential to eventually be a starter.