The Steelers have an important 2021 NFL draft to make their return to the AFC playoffs. They held North back with a 12-4 record, but lost their wild-card game to the Browns badly and runners-up Ravens also advanced to the divisional round.
Ben Roethlisberger and the offense fought through certain boundaries. The defense was the very foundation of success and struggled well with injuries.
Pittsburgh needs to be more balanced offensively and strengthened defensively at every level. Equipped with eight picks from April 29-May 1, the Steelers should spread the money on either side of the ball. Here’s what they can do from Round 1 through Round 7:
MORE NFL DRAFT: Complete 7-Round Mock | Top 100 Big Boards
Steelers mock draft 2021
No. 24 overall first round
- Nazi Harris, RB, Alabama (6-2, 230 pounds)
The Steelers need to think about extending their running game early, either with a strong right tackle or a possible surreal feature to replace James Jenner. Harris makes a lot of sense because he is a powerful pounder among tackles, but is also gifted and elusive in the passing game. He could be a three-down workhorse for them to clean up an unstable committee.
No. 55 overall, second round
- Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Florida State (5-10, 184 pounds)
Cornerbacks will be an area that will be needed after the team’s cut out starter Steven Nelson as well as lost slot cover Mike Mike Hilton will be given to rival agency in free agency. The Steelers should like Samuel’s pedigree and versatility to play with the required speed and quickness.
Number 87, third round
- Cameron McGrone, LB, MIchigan (6-1, 232 lb)
The Steelers are expecting fellow former Wolverine Devin Bush to be re-energized for their defense and need some better backing to make the play at another level, so it makes sense to tap into a similar pro plan is.
No. 128 overall, fourth round
- Talano Hafanga, S, USC (6-0, 199 lb)
Hafanga should appeal to the Steelers after training with a notable fellow former Trojan, Troy Polamalu. He is an explosive playmaker in the same vein with a massive upfield production against runs and passes.
No. 170 overall, fourth round (compensatory)
- Tedrell Slutton, DT, Florida (6-4, 330 lb)
The Steelers can find some strong athleticism for their 3-4 nose tackle spot with Slaton.
No. 216 overall, sixth round (from Buccaneers)
- Simi Fehko, WR, Stanford (6-4, 222 pounds)
The Steelers are now heavily loaded with JuJu Smith-Schuster, Chase Claypool, Diontae Johnson and James Washington, but a big goal needs to be developed as a contingency for the future. Fehoko uses its size well as a large, physical target and can serve as an interchangeable backup for the first time.
245 total, seventh round (from dolphins)
- Tristan Hoge, G, BYU (6-5, 310 lb)
The last name suggests that he is related to the former Steelers, running back Meryl Hoge and Tristan. He is a good development defender for the Steelers with natural strength and a high, experienced effort.
255 overall, in the seventh round
- Shane Buechele, QB, SMU (6-0, 210 lb)
Buechele, the son of former MLB third-baseman Steve, may be worth a late round flight to a.otherwise QB-less draft with the return of Big Ben. Buechele is not physically special, but he stands out with his smart and toughness, which gives him a chance to move around in a solid backup.
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