Jim Racalto’s Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft
Only a week remains until the 2017 NFL Draft, and I couldn’t hold out any longer. I just HAD to do a mock featuring the Steelers.
One thing to keep in mind is that literally everyone is using the same Fanspeak draft simulator engine these days. I chose to draft seven rounds, with the computer using random big boards, on the “difficult” level.
My selections were based on the players available at Pittsburgh’s pick, so whether or not a player would realistically be there is impossible to know. While I have a solid level of draft knowledge, this is for fun/entertainment/what if purposes only.
Round 1, Pick 30: Takkarist McKinley – EDGE (UCLA)
Projected Round: 1
I believe McKinley has the highest ceiling of any pass rusher in this draft, and he is a tailor made 3-4 outside linebacker. He already possesses elite athleticism and a endless motor, so with some NFL coaching he’ll be productive relatively soon. Pairing McKinley with Bud Dupree will give the Steelers what they thought they’d be getting in Jarvis Jones.
Round 2, Pick 30: Josh Jones – S (NC State)
Projected Round: 2
Jones is a vicious hitter in the box, but is also versatile enough with the speed and ball skills to help from a deep safety spot. He’ll have to clean up his tackling and develop more discipline in coverage, but this kid has all the traits to be a good starter in the league. With Mike Mitchell’s cap hit looming next year, I see Pittsburgh pulling the trigger on a Jones if he’s available.
Round 3, Pick 30: Rasul Douglas – CB (West Virginia)
Projected Round: 3
Douglas has the desired height and weight (6-2, 209) for a boundary corner, which I believe the Steelers are looking at as they incorporate more man schemes into their coverages. Douglas currently lacks elite deep speed, but has the traits to be a good press man corner opposite Artie Burns. With Ross Cockrell returning, Pittsburgh will have at least a year to ease Douglas in to eventually being a quality starter.
Round 3, Pick 41: Gerald Everett – TE (South Alabama)
Projected Round: 2
Projected as a second-round pick, it was a no-brainer to snatch up Everett at this pick. Not only does he possess great size, speed, and run-after-catch ability as a tight end, the kid isn’t scared to block. An elite vertical threat who isn’t scared to mix it up in the trenches? Yeah, he’s got long-term starting, Pro Bowl potential.
Round 4, Pick 28: Marlon Mack – RB (South Florida)
Projected Round: 3-4
Mack is technically a scat back, as he has insane breakaway speed. However, he also has decent size which makes him more than just a home run threat. He will be a nice complement and a nice change of pace back behind Le’Veon Bell, who will still carry a big workload no matter who is backing him up.
Round 5, Pick 29: Blair Brown – LB (Ohio)
Projected Round: 5
The final three picks fill potential depth roles. Brown is another linebacker in a system which requires many of them.
Round 6, Pick 29: Damore’ea Stringfellow – WR (Mississippi)
Projected Round: 6
Stringfellow is a wide receiver worth taking a shot on in the later rounds. He’s a bigger body (6′ 2″, 211 lbs.) and can fight for balls in the air.
Round 7, Pick: 30: Alek Torgersen – QB (Penn)
Projected Round: 7/UDFA
A three-year starter from an Ivy League school, Torgersen set records at Penn but is purely a developmental prospect. There’s a chance he isn’t drafted and is picked up by an NFL franchise as a college free agent.
