Day 1 of the NFL Draft is in the books, with the Steelers having selected running back Najee Harris with the 24th-overall selection.
But that hardly means the draft is complete -- contrary to the opinion of some.
In fact, Day 2 is where the Steelers made hay a year ago after not having a first-round selection, having traded that to Miami as part of the Minkah Fitzpatrick trade. Yet the Steelers got a pair of starters on Day 2 in wide receiver Chase Claypool and linebacker Alex Highsmith. They also got starting guard Kevin Dotson in the fourth round -- with their second pick of that round.
So, yes, you can get starters beyond the first round in the draft.
And that will be the Steelers' task today as they head into Day 2 of this draft.
The team filled one of its immediate openings in the starting lineup with the selection of Harris. Today will be all about filling the other starting hole in the lineup -- center
Because of that, here are some Steelers' targets on Day 2.
Round 2 Targets
1. Landon Dickerson, C, Alabama -- The top center is still available. That's not surprising if you were paying attention to what I've been saying all along.
2. Creed Humphrey, C, Oklahoma -- The No. 1A center to Dickerson. He's got a cleaner bill of health, but he's not as nasty as Dickerson.
3. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramah, LB, Notre Dame -- He's not an ideal fit next to Devin Bush because he plays at around 210 pounds. But he's awfully dynamic. But I don't expect him to be available when the Steelers pick at 55.
4. Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State -- The Steelers feel he's a little soft. But he's still a good player.
5. Azeez Ojulari, OLB, Georgia -- The Steelers don't need a starter at outside linebacker because of the presence of Highsmith. But Ojulari would be tough to pass up.
6. Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Florida State -- The Steelers would love to add a corner with his pedigree. He could be the starting slot right away.
7. Elijah Molden, CB, Washington -- A pure slot cornerback, and he might be the best of the bunch.
8. Aaron Robinson, CB, UCF -- A corner who began his career in the slot at Alabama before transferring to UCF. He projects to the slot in the NFL, as well.
9. Dillon Radunz, OT, North Dakota State -- An athletic, young tackle who projects to the left side? Sure, he fits into the mix here, but I don't expect he'll be available.
10. Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas -- A true left tackle. He could be available. But it's probably unlikely, as well.
11. Jevon Holland, S, Oregon -- A ball hawking safety who opted out in 2020. But he can play free safety or drop down and play the slot.
12. Quinn Meinerz, C, Wisconsin-Whitewater -- The Steelers like him, just not as much as the top two guys.
13. Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri -- He's a younger, faster version of Vince Williams. An alpha dog.
14. Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State -- Freiermuth wasn't asked to block a lot at Penn State. The assumption is that he can do it. But can he?
15. Tommy Tremble, TE, Notre Dame -- The best blocking tight end in this draft. And his 4.6-second 40-yard dash suggest there's something more there as a receiver.
Round 3 Targets
1. Meinerz -- If the Steelers don't get a center in Round 2 and Meinerz is still available, they would be very happy. But it's doubtful.
2. Drew Dalman, C, Stanford -- The Steelers really like Dalman, whose dad, Chris, is a former NFL lineman and coach. He's a little undersized, but he's smart and athletic.
3. Josh Myers, C, Ohio State -- Myers is bigger than Dalman, but he's not nearly as athletic.
4. Kendrick Green, C, Illinois -- Green's a former star wrestler who can really move. His run blocking is excellent. You get the idea the Steelers will be looking for a center?
5. Robert Rochell, CB, Central Arkansas -- Another slot corner. He's sneaky good.
6. Pete Werner, ILB, Ohio State -- He's kind of Zaven Collins light because of his size. He would be a nice complement to Devin Bush.
7. Spencer Brown, OT, Northern Iowa -- Really athletic. But he's a developmental left tackle with a lot of traits.
8. Walker Little, OT, Stanford -- I could see him going before this. But if he's available, the Steelers could take him, despite the fact he hasn't played in two years.
9. James Hudson, OT, Cincinnati -- A former defensive tackle moved to offensive tackle. He's raw but athletic.
10. Chazz Surratt, LB, North Carolina -- North Carolina's starting quarterback as a freshman, Surratt made the rare transition to linebacker. He can run and knows what offenses are trying to accomplish.
11. Derrick Barnes, LB, Purdue -- Played outside in 2019, recording seven sacks. Kicked inside in 2020 and led the team in tackles.
12. Benjamin St. Juste, CB, Minnesota -- A long, sneaky good corner. Didn't have any interceptions in college, however.
13. Caden Sterns, S, Texas -- A safety who has a lot of experience playing in the slot.
14. Ar'Darius Washington, S, TCU -- At 5-9, 185 pounds, Washington is a Mike Hilton clone.
15. Cameron McGrone, LB, Michigan -- Replaced Bush at Michigan. Could he join Bush in Pittsburgh?