The NFL draft for 2021 is just two weeks away. Most teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers are putting the finishing touches on their design boards, and it’s the season of misinformation.
With so little time left for the design, we’ve decided to update our 10 most realistic first-round picks for the Steelers. This list comes from a number of sources. First, we ran 25 one-round concept simulations to figure out which players will be on the board as a whole when Pittsburgh goes on the clock with the number 24 overall pick.
We then fine-tune those options based on Steelers’ greatest design needs. At this point, running, center and offensive tackle stand out with edge rusher and cornerback as external options.
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The darling of the Steelers fan base is Harris. And considering how bad the Pittsburgh depth map is, if Harris is on the board, we can’t see them drafting anyone else.
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Clemson’s Travis Etienne wouldn’t be a great alternative if Harris isn’t on the board. If you really split the games of both backs, there are several areas where Etienne is better in terms of NFL skills.
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I’m honestly not sure if the Steelers will see value in the third best in the draft in the first round, but in other drafts Williams would be selected much sooner. The strength with which Williams plays makes him a perfect fit for Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh is in dire need of a start center and assuming Dickerson is healthy at the start of the season, easily the best in design, and an instant starter.
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As with Javonte Williams, the 24th overall pick may be too early for Creed Humphrey, but if the Steelers think he won’t make it to round two and trade back, he could be forced to fill a need.
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The only edge rusher that consistently showed up in the simulations was Georgia’s Azeez Ojulari. Edge rusher is not a big priority, but a good quality third rusher will make Steelers’ defense much better.
The Steelers would be wise to try and replace Steven Nelson and / or Mike Hilton in the first few rounds and if a full coverage player like Newsome falls for them in the first round it would be hard to pass.
(Photo by Brett Deering / Getty Images)
There is no offensive tackle that plays with a mean streak like Bitches Jenkins does. The Steelers line of attack needs to regain its lead, and Jenkins is bringing it into every game.
(AP Photo / Bruce Kluckhohn)
As of now, Pittsburgh has their starting tackles, but if they feel like they can upgrade, there are options. Radunz is an attacking tackle technician and rarely misses an assignment as a run blocker or pass protection.
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It wouldn’t be the most exciting choice, but if all else fails, Notre Dame’s Liam Eichenberg could be the choice. He is a solid player, experienced and fundamentally healthy.