The Senior Bowl and its all-important practices and interviews are now in the books.
Draft news will slow down a little bit now for a few weeks until the NFL Scouting Combine March 1 through 7. After that, the league's news will start coming fast and furious.
A little more than a week after the combine, free agency will open up. And then pro days will start to take place on college campuses across the country.
But it's never too early to start mock drafting. And while later in the process, I'll do much more comprehensive mocks -- with all teams -- in this first installment, I'm going to do a Steelers-centric mock.
The Steelers have needs, to be sure. But some will be filled in free agency, as well.
So, let's have at it:
Round 1, Pick 20, Malik Willis, QB, Liberty -- Willis was impressive with his interviews at the Senior Bowl. He comes across as a thoughtful, bright young man. His play on the field all week wasn't bad, either. He has a rifle for an arm and can make all of the throws. And, well, you saw his ability to create with his legs in the game, where he had 54 yards in four attempts while completing 2 of 4 passes for 11 yards. Willis will take some time to develop, but that's fine. He can sit at least to start the season until he gets up to speed with the NFL game. He has the highest upside of any QB in this draft.
Also considered: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa; Kenyon Green, G, Texas A&M; Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa; Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia -- It wasn't easy passing on some of these guys, but when you don't have a quarterback of the future on your roster and you have a chance to get one who could be special, you do it. I love all three of those offensive linemen available and Wyatt, as well. But those positions are deep. And no, both Kenny Pickett and Matt Corral were not available. Pickett went 8th to the Falcons, while Corral went 11th to Washington.
Round 2, Pick 52, Zion Johnson, G, Boston College -- Johnson can step right in at right guard and be a long-term starter. In fact, after his week of practices at the Senior Bowl, where he showed his ability to play center, as well, despite never having done so before, I'm kind of surprised he was still available. He played left tackle last season for the Eagles, but he'll be a 10-year starter on the interior. And he's already graduated with his degree in computer science. This is a smart, tough player.
Also considered: Chad Muma, LB, Wyoming; Jamaree Saylor, G, Georgia; John Metchie, WR, Alabama -- I hated passing on Muma, and he went just two picks after my selection to the Patriots. Saylor and Johnson are the second and third-rated guards on my list right now. Metchie would add a ridiculous speed option to the Steelers offense.
Round 3, Pick 84, Damone Clark, LB, LSU -- After missing out on Muma, I get the next best thing, Clark. At 6-foot-3, 238 pounds, Clark has the stopping power of a bigger linebacker. But he has excellent speed to track down plays, as well. He's also Vince Williams-like in his ability to power blitz up the middle. This is just allowing the board to fall into place, though I just missed on defensive tackle Travis Jones of Connecticut, who went a handful of slots ahead of this pick.
Also considered: Tariq Woolen, CM, UTSA; Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan -- Woolen is 6-foot-3 and runs like a deer. He had a nice showing at the Senior Bowl. Moore wasn't at the Senior Bowl, but he's like the second coming of Diontae Johnson -- with perhaps even more top-end speed.
Round 4, (compensatory pick, projected) Neil Farrell, NT, LSU -- Farrell is an active nose tackle who has some pass rush ability. He finished his career at LSU with 143 tackles, 22.5 of which were for a loss, and 7.5 sacks. He is good in the run game, as well. But true nose tackles don't go all that high. And he's a true nose.
Also considered: Mykeal Wright, CB, Oregon; Matt Waletzko, OT, North Dakota; Velus Jones, WR, Tennessee -- Wright would be a developmental cornerback who is an excellent return man. Waletzko would be a developmental tackle. He has nice movement skills, but needs to get bigger and stronger. Jones would be a nice-sized slot at 6-0, 190 pounds, but will turn 25 before the season begins.
Round 6, Pick 189, Bo Melton, WR, Rutgers -- Melton didn't have great production at Rutgers, but then again, who has of late? Melton can work out of the slot and is wickedly fast and shifty. He's expected run 4.4 or better in the 40. Melton had plenty of big-time offers coming out of high school, but chose Rutgers because both his parents were athletes there. He scored touchdowns receiving (11), rushing (2) and returning (1) in college. This was the pick acquired for Melvin Ingram, which for some reason isn't showing up on a lot of mock draft simulators. But the draft order hasn't been officially finalized just yet.
Round 7, Pick 222, Cordell Volson, OT, North Dakota State -- Volson is the latest in the line of North Dakota State offensive tackles who will play in the NFL, including current Steelers lineman Joe Haeg. Volson played both right and left tackle at North Dakota State and brings that versatility to the table. He's a big man who just needs more polish.
Round 7, Pick 238, Connor Heyward, FB, Michigan State -- This isn't just a nod to older brother Cam, Connor Heyward can play. He had a solid week of practices at the Senior Bowl, but he also projects as a fullback, which means he won't be a draft priority for a lot of teams. But he also can play running back and will be a special teams star.
