Yeah yeah I know guys, we’ve reached peak mock draft season and we’re all ready for the draft to arrive. We’ve seen about every possible scenario mocked at one point or another, but I’ve got one more for your eyeballs.

This is a tough year to predict what the Steelers will do because, in reality, this roster has nearly no holes. Those were plugged in free agency by safety Morgan Burnett and linebacker Jon Bostic, and while neither of those players may be long-term solutions, they’re still more than adequate players this team can win with.

While cliche, the Steelers are in a perfect spot to take the best player available. This could be a safety, linebacker, or… maybe a quarterback.

Here are my predictions for the Steelers 2018 draft.

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Round One: Rashaan Evans (ILB) – Alabama

This was easily the hardest pick for me to decide. Even writing this mock now I’m still considering making a last minute change, but for the time being, I feel good about saying Rashaan Evans will be a Steelers.

While the previously mentioned Bostic is capable of starting for this defense, Evans would be a big upgrade to this defense. While not quite the freak Ryan Shazier is, he would still bring much-needed speed and athleticism to the defense. Evans also brings versatility as an edge rusher. Though it wouldn’t be his primary role, it would still add an additional wrinkle to a Steelers defense that loves players with versatility.

Evans could step in and be a day one starter on this defense. And yes, he would be an upgrade over Sean Spence.

Also considered: Jessie Bates

Round Two: James Washington (WR) – Oklahoma State

While drafting a safety or linebacker is plausible here, I’m not sure if the value will be there. A sneaky need for the Steelers is wide receiver, and that need is addressed with the addition of James Washington.

While he may not be the biggest or fastest receiver in the draft, he is a playmaker that had a ton of production. He has proved the ability to get open deep and make plays with the ball in his hand. While his route tree isn’t fully fleshed out and he has his share of kinks to iron out, he could spend his rookie year playing a limited role while developing.

With Martavis Bryant likely departing in 2019 and no depth behind Antonio Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster, Washington would be a great addition to this roster.

Also considered: Malik Jefferson

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Round Three: Tarvarius Moore (S) – Southern Miss

The Steelers need to draft a safety in the top three rounds, and Tarvarius Moore would be a great option. Being that he comes from a small school and has limited starting experience, Moore wouldn’t be asked to come in a start. However, he has all the tools to be able to develop into a starter.

If you look at Moore’s testing, you will see why he’s worth drafting. He ran a 4.32 40 yard dash and had a 38.5″ vertical dash at his pro day. He’s a high-ceiling/low-floor type of prospect, but his combination of size and speed makes him worth gambling on. Moore can sit for a year or two and learn from veterans like Morgan Burnett and Joe Haden, all while being a special teams demon.

Also considered: Dante Pettis

Round Five(A): Durham Smythe (TE) – Notre Dame

With the Steelers top needs filled, the Steelers can truly draft the best player available from this point on. One area where they could use depth is tight end. Vance McDonald has been a stud but can’t stay healthy, Jesse James is average at best, and Xavier Grimble flashes but is inconsistent. While Durham Smythe may not ever be a future number one tight end, he has the potential to be a solid number two thanks to his blocking ability. A player like Smythe harkens back to the Matt Spaeth days, where he won’t scare defense as a receiver, but he’s more than reliable as a blocker.

Also considered: Dorian O’Danial

Round Five (B): Bilal Nichols (DT) – Delaware

The Steelers continue to bolster their depth with Bilal Nichols. While not a major need, Nichols would be an upgrade over the Steelers current sixth defensive lineman – Dan McCullers. He wouldn’t contribute right away, but he has enough athletic ability to develop into a solid backup over time.

Also considered: B.J. Hill

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Round Seven (A): Joel Iyiegbuniwe (ILB) – Western Kentucky

While I don’t know how to pronounce his name, I do know that the Steelers could use as much linebacker depth as possible – enter Joel Iyiegbuniwe. While he has a long way to go if he ever wishes to play on defense, he has enough athleticism for the Steelers to take a flyer on him.

Also considered: Damon Webb

Round Seven (B): Jordan Mailata (OT)

Jordan Mailata is a near-perfect late round pick for the Steelers. He is a former rugby player with no football experience but has serious size and athleticism. There’s no better spot for him than the Steelers. Mailata is a giant ball of clay that offensive line coach Mike Munchak can mold, and just maybe he can be the next Alejandro Villaneuva.

Also considered: Russell Gage