When it comes to the 2021 NFL draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers first round will be pivotal to the future of the franchise. The Steelers have done well over the years with guys like TJ Watt, Devin Bush and Bud Dupree. But choices like Terrell Edmunds and Artie Burns give Pittsburgh fans reason to wonder if this year’s pick will be a hit or a miss.
Pittsburgh currently has the No. 24 pick overall, and assuming there are no trades, here are the 10 most reasonable guys to consider when the Steelers are on the clock. This is based on who the top 10 players were on the board when the Steelers clocked in 25 simulated one-round mock drafts. And sorry Steelers fans, there is no Najee Harris here.
1-OT Christian Darrisaw | Virginia Tech
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With Alejandro Villanueva likely to take off freehand and more questions about depth in attacking tackle, it makes sense to add a left-wing elite tackle prospect like Darrisaw. Of all the tackles on this list, Darrisaw is the most starter-ready in the group.
2-LB Zaven Collins | Tulsa
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Collins’s versatility and athleticism make him an ideal first choice. He can line up alongside Devin Bush as basic defense, but go out to rush or take cover in sub-packs.
3-EDGE Gregory Rousseau | Miami
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Alex Highsmith gave some hope that he could be a full-time starter to TJ Watt, but depth is a real issue. Rosseau is a polished man with a massive outburst and can stand up on either side.
4-RAND Jaelan Phillips | Miami
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Where Rousseau is more polished, Phillips is more raw and unproven. But in the right schedule with the right coaching, a higher ceiling could be like a pure pass rusher.
5-pound Nick Bolton | Missouri
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The Steelers can never have enough athletes on Defense. Bolton doesn’t offer Collins fringe skills, but in terms of a sideline man, Bolton is best in class.
6-OT Jalen Mayfield | Michigan
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Mayfield is a step back from Darrisaw, but is still an interesting dude, especially when the Steelers get a chance to get him tackled properly early in his career.
7-OT Bitches Jenkins | Oklahoma State
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Of all the offensive linemen in this group, Jenkins is the most interesting to me. He’s a finisher who never takes a play off. He has a nasty mindset and plays with an edge that the Steelers could really use.
8-QB Mac Jones | Alabama
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In every simulation I ran, Jones was available after the top four quarterbacks came off the board. He’s kind of a throwback player in a league looking for more and more athletic quarterbacks, Jones won’t be coveted. But he can play and is not as motionless as his critics should believe.
9-WR Kadarius Toney | Florida
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Wide receiver isn’t a top need for the Steelers, but Toney would be a fascinating choice. His game is very similar to Diontae Johnson, which makes his choice unlikely, but it would be nice to see two so electric guys on the field at the same time with the football in their hands.
10-OT Liam Eichenberg
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If you’re looking for the blue collar, lunchpail-esque gear that the Steelers seem to gravitate to, Eichenberg is your man. He’s not flashy and doesn’t stand out, but he’s smart, technically sound and rarely makes mistakes.