For our latest Pittsburgh Steelers seven-round mock draft, we went with a full simulation courtesy of Pro Football Focus. Typically we make the picks ourselves but this time decided to let fate decide. Now that we have done it, let’s re-draft it with the full draft in front of us and see what we would change.
First round-OT Broderick Jones, Georgia
Given the way the first round plays out, it is hard to argue against Broderick Jones. Most of the top defensive players we have ranked near the top for Pittsburgh are off the board and we aren’t in the market for a first-round cornerback so this pick stays.
Second round-EDGE Will McDonald IV, Iowa State
The punch that Will McDonald IV would add to the pass rusher is well worth this pick. He’s going to wow people at the scouting combine. This pick stands.
Second round-CB Kelee Ringo, Georgia
Getting Ringo in the middle of the second round is definitely a nice value here but taking a corner this high assumes heavy losses in free agency. I see Iowa’s Jack Campbell go one pick later and know he fills a significant need. Campbell is my pick here.
Third round-DT Gervon Dexter, Florida
I’m sure in the right system, Gervon Dexter is going to be a good pro. But his length and struggles with leverage don’t lend itself to what the Steelers need. Unfortunately, there isn’t a good nose tackle to replace him here. So instead, I double-dip offensive tackle with Ohio State’s Dawand Jones.
Fourth round-WR Marvin Mims, Oklahoma
I love the Mims pick here. He was dynamite for Oklahoma and would be a great fit in Pittsburgh with his ability to get separation deep. If there was a defensive tackle who could help, I’d make the switch but instead, Mims stays.
Seventh round-C Ricky Stromberg, Arkansas
As much as I’d love to leave Stromberg here, I don’t see any way in the real draft he lasts to the seventh round so we are going to swap him out here. So instead we go for massive Coastal Carolina nose tackle Jerrod Clark.
Seventh round-FB Hunter Luepke, North Dakota State
It is hard to imagine Derek Watt is going anywhere so this pick wouldn’t be necessary. Instead, Pittsburgh adds a developmental cornerback in Kentucky’s Carrington Valentine. He’s got nice tools with his length and long speed.
