Steelers Final Mock Draft

[J_DUB724]

1. Najee Harris, RB, Alabama (6'1'', 232 lbs)

Hightlights https://youtu.be/xoqhCRpi9Ww

RUSHING STATS
SEASON	TEAM	G	ATT	YDS	AVG	TD
2017	Alabama	10	61	370	6.1	3
2018	Alabama	15	117	783	6.7	4
2019	Alabama	13	209	1224	5.9	13
2020	Alabama	13	251	1466	5.8	26

RECEIVING STATS
SEASON	TEAM	G	REC	YDS	AVG	TD
2017	Alabama	10	6	45	7.5	0
2018	Alabama	15	4	7	1.8	0
2019	Alabama	13	27	304	11.3	7
2020	Alabama	13	43	425	9.9	4

I know everyone is either totally for taking a RB or totally against taking a RB in the first round. I just think there is too much smoke for it not to be true. The Steelers have showed so much interest in the top 3 RBs this year and Rooney made it well known he wanted to improve the run game. I am a firm believer that you do that with a OL but I think the top 4 OL will be gone. So it comes down to either Harris or Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State. I think the Steelers choose Harris over Jenkins. I wouldn't rule out the possibility of trading down and taking either Jenkins or Landon Dickerson, C, Alabama though. I think the Steelers see Le'Veon Bell in Najee Harris, without the off field issues. He has no weaknesses. He has size, speed and runs violent. He also does the little things well. He can catch the ball out of the backfield, he doesn't fumble and he is good in pass protection. I think he comes in starts day one and has a good chance at rookie of the year.

2. Sam Cosmi, OT, Texas (6'6'', 314 lbs)

I wanted to take a Center with this pick and I hope that Landon Dickerson or Creed Humphrey fall to us in the 2nd round. I just don't see that happening, so I take the best OL available. Cosmi reminds me a lot of big Al. He is an athletic big man that looks like a big TE. He started his freshman year at RT, then moved to LT his last 2 years at Texas. He has all the skills to be a good starting LT in the NFL. I don't feel comfortable with Chuks & Banner starting at OT. I don't think either of them will succeed at LT. I am fine with one of them starting at RT. I could see Cosmi coming in and starting day one at LT or I could see him being inactive most game days. I think it will be an open competition at training camp.

3. Kellen Mond, QB, Texas A&M (6'3'', 211 lbs)

   

Highlights https://youtu.be/qtbpa4z8wLE

PASSING STATS
SEASON	TEAM	G	ATT	CMP	PCT	YDS	TD	INT	RATING
2017	Texas A&M	10	227	117	51.5	1375	8	6	108.8
2018	Texas A&M	13	415	238	57.3	3107	24	9	135
2019	Texas A&M	13	419	258	61.6	2897	20	9	131.1
2020	Texas A&M	10	297	188	63.3	2282	19	3	146.9

RUSHING STATS
SEASON	TEAM	G	ATT	YDS	AVG	TD
2017	Texas A&M	10	89	340	3.8	3
2018	Texas A&M	13	149	474	3.2	7
2019	Texas A&M	13	126	501	4	8
2020	Texas A&M	10	74	294	4	4

I know I'm going to get some heat for this pick but hear me out. The Steelers have 4 QBs on their roster at this moment but all 4 could be gone next year. The Steelers have shown some interest in Mond. Matt Canada attended his pro day and he said he talked to Steelers higher ups. Mond reminds he of Josh Dobbs but with a stronger arm and he had more success in college. They have the same build and athleticism. Mond was a 4 year starter at Texas A&M and he got better each year. I don't know if Mond is the future franchise QB but I think it's worth taking a chance on him. I see the Steelers cutting or trading Dobbs & Haskins. Going into the season with Ben/Mason/Kellen. He will sit a year and learn, and then next year he will have a chance to win the QB1 spot.

4a. Camryn Bynum, CB, California (6'0'', 196 lbs)

Highlights https://youtu.be/UjThom4s0gg

DEFENSIVE STATS
SEASON	TEAM	G	TAC	AST	TOT	SACKS	INT	INTYD	INTTD	INTLG
2017	California	12	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	0
2018	California	13	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	0
2019	California	13	39	24	63	0	1	0	0	0
2020	California	4	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0

The Steelers are going to need to replace Steven Nelson & Mike Hilton. That will be difficult but it starts here. Bynum was a 4 year starter and 2 time team captain at California. Scouts rave about his personal character and high football IQ. He played a lot of press at Cal and will be an outside CB with the Steelers. Bynum has adequate size but some had concerns about his speed. He ran a 4.49 40 at his pro day, so that erases those concerns. He is eager to help in the run game, which the Steelers love in their CBs. He only played 4 games in 2020 because covid shorten Cal's season. The only guarantee with the Steelers CBs this year is Joe Haden. There are a lot of questions elsewhere. Like does Sutton play outside or in the slot? Who is the 3rd CB? I know they like James Pierre but Justin Layne just got arrested last week and still hasn't shown anything yet. With Bynum being a 4 year starter in college, I could see him coming in and getting early playing time.

4b. Ar'Darius Washington, CB, TCU (5'8'', 176 lbs)

Hightlights https://youtu.be/RYomPsNW3TU

 

 

Career Defensive Statistics

Career Defensive Statistics

Season	GP	SOLO	AST	TOT	TFL-YDS	SACKS-YDS	INT	PD	FF	FR	BLK
Total	26	62	24	86	1.5-3	0-0	5	12	0	0	0
2018	4	2	1	3	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	0
2019	12	35	11	46	0.5-1	0-0	5	7	0	0	0
2020	10	25	12	37	1-2	0-0	0	5	0	0	0

I have the Steelers double dipping in the 4th round at CB. Washington played S at TCU, but he will be a slot CB in the NFL. NFL.com player comp was Mike Hilton and that will be who he is replacing. Washington is undersized just like Hilton, but he plays with quickness and great instincts. He is a physical striker that will help in the run game and blitzing. He only has two years of playing experience but he made an impact at TCU. He has a nose for the ball. Washington will come in and give the Steelers an option in the slot. I also think he will be a good special teams player.

6. Alaric Jackson, OT/OG, Iowa (6'5'', 321 lbs)

Jackson started 42 games at LT for Iowa. I don't think Jackson has the skill set to play LT in the NFL, but I think he could play RT or move inside to OG. The Steelers have no depth at OG behind DeCastro & Dotson. I think Jackson could provide some depth and possibility development into a future starter.

 7a. Tuf Borland, ILB, Ohio State (6'0'', 229 lbs)

Highlights https://youtu.be/LdXHSexDS0A

Career Defensive Statistics

SEASON	GP	UA	A	TOT	TFL	TFLY	INT	FF	FR	BLK
Total:	51	117	111	228	19	72	1	2	0	0
2016-17	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2017-18	14	35	23	58	3.5	14	0	0	0	0
2018-19	14	33	34	67	9	29	0	2	0	0
2019-20	14	27	28	55	3	13	1	0	0	0
2020-21	7	22	26	48	3.5	16	0	0	0	0

It wouldn't be a Steelers draft without a LB taken. Borland has physical limitations but he has great football IQ and is as consistent as they come. Borland is only the 2nd Ohio State player to be team captain for 3 straight years. Borland will make his money on special teams and could become a 2 down ILB in the future.

7b. Patrick Johnson, OLB, Tulane (6'2'', 240 lbs)

Highlights https://youtu.be/DAfxpkfbt_g

Career Defensive Statistics

Career Defensive Statistics

Season	GP	SOLO	AST	TOT	TFL-YDS	SACKS-YDS	INT	PD	FF	FR	BLK
Total	49	92	43	135	40.0-210	24.5-157	0	11	6	1	0
2017	12	6	6	12	1-4	0-0	0	0	0	0	0
2018	13	34	15	49	16-74	10.5-63	0	5	4	1	0
2019	13	24	11	35	8.5-50	4-27	0	4	0	0	0
2020	11	28	11	39	14.5-82	10-67	0	2	2	0	0

Steelers double dip at LB in the 7th round with Johnson. Johnson has a compact frame and he is very powerful. If he was longer, he would be going much earlier than the 7th round. The Steelers are lacking depth behind TJ & Highsmith and Johnson will provide some depth there. He also will be a good special teams player.

[mwalker]

Love the first two picks. Also like Alaric Jackson later (OG, in my opinion).
Really don't like either DB you've chosen Think Bynam will go much later
and just don't love the size limitations on Washington. I think you could get
better players, with those picks, at those positions. Johnson in the 7th would
be very good value. 

I'd give it a B (Harris and Cosmi would be great though).

 

[jebrick]

Mond is crap UNLESS you someone can fix his mechanics.  He has the arm and the quick decisions but his accuracy is horrible.  They could not fix Dobb's mechanics.  So another developmental QB taken which, IMHO, is a wasted pick at this point. 

[warfelg]

6 minutes ago, jebrick said:

Mond is crap UNLESS you someone can fix his mechanics.  He has the arm and the quick decisions but his accuracy is horrible.  They could not fix Dobb's mechanics.  So another developmental QB taken which, IMHO, is a wasted pick at this point. 

Just to be fair here: 

I wouldn’t be so confident in this statement anymore. They invested in getting QB coaching fixed. When we took Dobbs it was nothing more than cheap depth. I think it’s a little short sighted to say we can’t develop Mond based on coaches who aren’t here. 
 

I think drafting Mond would say so much about what they feel in house about Ben coming back and/or if they want him back. Mond/Trask being a pick means they are ready to me. Not taking either means they are open to a 40 year old Ben at QB. 

[bigben07MVP]

13 minutes ago, warfelg said:

I think drafting Mond would say so much about what they feel in house about Ben coming back and/or if they want him back. Mond/Trask being a pick means they are ready to me. Not taking either means they are open to a 40 year old Ben at QB. 

I respectfully disagree. Not drafting a QB this year simply means they are comfortable waiting until next offseason to get their QB, regardless of Ben coming back or not.

You said Mond reminds you of Dobbs but with a stronger arm, that doesn’t inspire much confidence to me. Dobbs issue isn’t arm strength, it’s not like if his arm was a bit stronger he would be a starting QB.

[warfelg]

15 minutes ago, bigben07MVP said:

You said Mond reminds you of Dobbs but with a stronger arm, that doesn’t inspire much confidence to me. Dobbs issue isn’t arm strength, it’s not like if his arm was a bit stronger he would be a starting QB.

I’m not the one that said he reminds me of Dobbs. I think Monds best comp is where Dak was coming out. 

[kurgan]

@J_DUB724... nice effort.

I think, for me, having a QB in and an edge so low has to take it down for me.  Also, the lack of a C draft tells me you are OK with Finney and no comp, and that is another minus for me.

I do like Cosmi and Jackson, but neither address the biggest need of C.  Bynum is ok to me, and Washington CAN play slot, so you have the CB room covered.

In the end, I feel like we have 4 main needs (RB, CB, C, EDGE) and you addressed 2 out of 4.  I am also not convinced that Mond is our long term answer at QB.

[bigben07MVP]

1 hour ago, warfelg said:

I’m not the one that said he reminds me of Dobbs. I think Monds best comp is where Dak was coming out. 

My mistake, that was OP.

[J_DUB724]

26 minutes ago, kurgan said:

@J_DUB724... nice effort.

I think, for me, having a QB in and an edge so low has to take it down for me.  Also, the lack of a C draft tells me you are OK with Finney and no comp, and that is another minus for me.

I do like Cosmi and Jackson, but neither address the biggest need of C.  Bynum is ok to me, and Washington CAN play slot, so you have the CB room covered.

In the end, I feel like we have 4 main needs (RB, CB, C, EDGE) and you addressed 2 out of 4.  I am also not convinced that Mond is our long term answer at QB.

I don't agree with the 4 main needs. I think its RB, OT, C, CB. I believe Alex Highsmith is legit and we will be fine there. EDGE depth needs to be addressed though. I said I would love if Dickerson or Humphrey fall to us in the 2nd but I don't see it happening. I would be for trading up in the 2nd to get one of them. 

[kurgan]

52 minutes ago, J_DUB724 said:

I don't agree with the 4 main needs. I think its RB, OT, C, CB. I believe Alex Highsmith is legit and we will be fine there. EDGE depth needs to be addressed though. I said I would love if Dickerson or Humphrey fall to us in the 2nd but I don't see it happening. I would be for trading up in the 2nd to get one of them. 

So, the issue with that is that the only other Edge on the roster is Cassius Marsh.  I think Highsmith is legit as well, along with Watt, but there is nothing else behind them.  In addition, for me, if you draft an Edge early, you can use all 3 on the field at the same time.  Just because you draft an Edge doesn't mean Highsmith goes to the bench.

Also, as far as C, you didn't draft one at all, which means that we are rolling with Finney/Hassenhaur.  In my mind, C is the one spot that we have to draft a player.  Even if we pass on rounds 1-3, there are enough bodies in the 4th that are passable enough to at least play.  I could even, in the right circumstance, see going to 6th, but I am not as sold on Finney as most people.

[MOSteelers56]

12 minutes ago, kurgan said:

but I am not as sold on Finney as most people.

I'm not sure why anyone is confident in Finney as the starter. Even when he was at his best for us, it was at OG. Every time he's started for us at center he's been bad, and that has been quite awhile ago anyway. 

[cjfollett]

 

12 hours ago, J_DUB724 said:

1. Najee Harris, RB, Alabama (6'1'', 232 lbs)

 

I am beginning to believe he is the pick if he is there.

12 hours ago, J_DUB724 said:

2. Sam Cosmi, OT, Texas (6'6'', 314 lbs)

 

I do not think Cosmi lasts until #55. My guess is this pick will be OL, but who? No idea. I like Creed Humphrey if he lasts this long.

 

13 hours ago, J_DUB724 said:

3. Kellen Mond, QB, Texas A&M (6'3'', 211 lbs)

 

Nope. Not this year. We're riding with Ben and Mason is the backup. Dobbs is holding the clipboard. After RB and OL, I think the pick here is CB or LB. Maybe another OL, depending on who is left.

 

13 hours ago, J_DUB724 said:

4a. Camryn Bynum, CB, California (6'0'', 196 lbs)

 

I don't know anything about this player, but the position is good. I've been reading about Israel Mukuamu from South Carolina, which means he pobably won't be there.

 

13 hours ago, J_DUB724 said:

4b. Ar'Darius Washington, CB, TCU (5'8'', 176 lbs)

 

If you switch QB at #3 for LB, then back-to-back CB is okay. WR, another OL, and TE are other options.