The debate about Kevin Colbert and the Steelers going into the NFL Draft isn't if they'll invest in their rushing offense, but how they'll do it.
I've made my case about the Steelers investing in the first round to get their running back in the first round in Najee Harris and Travis Etienne, or at least trade to get Javonte Williams in the early part of the second round.
But investing in the offensive line is still something I see of serious value to the Steelers in this class because of how deep it is with prospects that could boost their run game. So what if the Steelers triple-dipped to invest in their rushing offense with two linemen to go with their running back?
Sure, there are defensive needs for the Steelers, but those needs look less pressing when you see a rushing offense ranked dead last in the NFL. They also look even less pressing when you remember that as the Steelers averaged 129.7 rushing yards during as they went 6-0 to start the season and averaged 52.2 rushing yards per game as they finished 1-5 on the season.
So for this Steelers mock draft, I'm not trading back and taking all offense in the first three rounds using the Pro Football Network simulator:
Round 1, Pick 24: Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson --
In previous mocks I've had the Steelers land either Harris or Williams. But Etienne wouldn't be a bad pick either. He's not the typical Steelers running back who optimizes working between the tackles, power running and maximizing tight spaces. That doesn't mean the Steelers couldn't change their ways and use a speed back like Etienne.
His ability to make defenders miss in space and turn even the smallest mistake into a long touchdown could be an interesting mix with the concepts familiar to Matt Canada. And his abilities to catch out of the backfield would make him another serious threat with defenses have to consider or risk a touchdown. It might be a paradigm change in recent Steelers history, but it could also build a way to the future for the offense.
Read my film analysis from Carter's Classroom on Etienne here.
Round 2, Pick 55: Landon Dickerson, C, Alabama --
Dickerson is the center I rate as the best of this class. Although he has an extensive injury history, his explosiveness to move defensive tackles out of A-gap and his ability to pull and turn into a lead blocker are too good to ignore at 55. He would be an immediate boost to the Steelers' offensive line as a pass protector and a powerful run blocker.
He's recovered from his 2020 injury and looked ready to go during Alabama's pro day, so taking the risk there would make sense. The prospect of a healthy Dickerson living up to his college tape in between Kevin Dotson progressing from is strong rookie season and a healthy David DeCastro back to his normal dominance would pose as a dangerous interior offensive line and make life easier for Zach Banner and Chuks Okorafor at tackle.
Read my film analysis from Carter's Classroom on Dickerson here.
Round 3, Pick 87: Spencer Brown, OT, Northern Iowa --
Did I say Banner and Okorafor? OK, maybe I spoke a little too soon. While Banner would be a presumed starter after winning the right tackle spot last season, Okorafor had a roller coaster season with good and bad performances alike. That's why an investment at offensive tackle shouldn't be off the table for the Steelers.
This year's tackle class is deep with talent and Brown is one of the players who could be a day two surprise. But why I like him more than others is his athletic talent and amazing size. You can't teach 6-foot-8, 312 lbs. nor the impressive pro day numbers he boasted this year. According to relative athletic scores that compare measurement numbers of draft prospects over years by Kent Lee Platte, Brown's profile is the highest rated tackle in his system:
Spencer Brown is a OT prospect in the 2021 draft class. He scored a 10 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 1 out of 1134 OT from 1987 to 2021. https://t.co/PFyAdjxUKo #RAS via @Mathbomb pic.twitter.com/fUbqW9QoSj
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 5, 2021
What keeps Brown from being a higher pick is his decision to opt out of the 2020 season and his less than stellar performance at the Senior Bowl. But if he's around in the third round it would be hard to pass up the idea of letting Adrien Klemm work with him to see if he can sharpen his footwork, maximize his frame and athletic ability and be a dominant tackle of the future for the Steelers.
Even if he doesn't beat out Okorafor or Banner in camp, he would make for an interesting sixth offensive tackle like the Steelers have liked to use in heavy packages in recent seasons. And wouldn't be a bad option to have be a first replacement at offensive tackle or keep either starter on their toes with competition throughout the season.
Round 4, Pick 128: Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State --
At some point the Steelers will have to address their defense in this draft. Finding a good slot option in the fourth round who can both cover and contribute to the run would be a welcome replenishment of the position after Mike Hilton left for the Bengals in free agency.
I've made no secret of how much of a fit I see Wade being for the Steelers. He's big, physical, instinctive against the run and solid while covering in the slot. He spent 2020 covering outside the numbers and getting beat a lot, which is why his stock fell hard. But that's because he was out of position. If the Steelers repurposed him to covering in the middle of the field and helping agains the run, that would be the reset Wade might need to be a solid NFL player right out the gate.
You can read where I ranked Wade and other defensive backs as slot options for the Steelers in this year's draft class here.
Round 4, Pick 140: Daelin Hayes., EDGE, Notre Dame --
Hayes is one of the more interesting day three talents for his ability to be an edge defender and help as an off-ball linebacker. He's explosive off the ball with good hands that attack offensive tackles to create leverage. He's not a bigger edge defender like Alex Highsmith, but he would be a solid option to address depth at the position that's desperately needed.
Round 6, Pick 216: Justin Hilliard, LB, Ohio State --
There are three linebackers from Ohio State in this class and all of them would be fits for the Steelers. Brandon Browning and Pete Werner are solid day two options, but Hilliard would be a solid pickup in the later rounds. The return of Vince Williams might give Colbert the leverage to not have to invest early at linebacker for another year. Hilliard would be a solid athlete and special teams contributor to make the roster, and maybe provide important depth snaps at linebacker late in the season.
Round 7, Pick 245: Avery Williams, CB, Boise State --
At some point the Steelers should take a shot at adding to the cornerback room in this class. But that may not be something that fits in the earlier rounds. Williams would be a three-year starter who could fight with Justin Layne and James Pierre in training camp. Like Hilliard, his experience contributing on special teams would be enticing for Colbert in the last round. His agility and ability to run and turn quickly in coverage also might make him another player to challenge for snaps in the slot.
Round 7, Pick 254: Chris Garrett, EDGE, Concordia-St. Paul --
If the Steelers don't get an edge rusher in the first three rounds of the draft, doubling up on day three might be a good idea. After Ola Adeniyi left in free agency for the Titans along with Bud Dupree, the Steelers' depth at edge rusher is non-existent. Garrett would be a player from a small school who would be overlooked enough to be available in the seventh round. But he also has flashed the ability to mix up pass rush moves with impressive get-off at the line to put pressure on tackles.
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