Nicastro: Steelers Final 2020 Mock Draft

As for the Steelers - there are plenty of holes to fill (that’s what she said), and a number of directions the team could go with each of their draft slots. They only have 6 this year, due to the Minkah Fitzpatrick trade - which you’d take every time again, and the Nick Vannett trade, which you’d take zero times again. Here is my best projection as to what they will do - which is likely to be very far off. But at least I had fun.

Owner Art Rooney II made some comments this off-season about the Steelers needing to improve their running-game if they want to be a contender again. When he talks - the front office usually listens. They went out and paid arguably the biggest prize at fullback on the market in Derek Watt. Now they nab a top back with the first pick in the 2nd round. 

Dobbins fits the profile of a complete, all-around back. He’s the only back in the history of Ohio State to rush for over 1,000 yards in his first three seasons. He’s a nimble dude who can run inside the tackles, an above-average pass protector, and can catch it out of the backfield consistently. That checks all of the boxes for a Steelers running-back. Not to mention he played right down the road in Columbus, a place where the team has a special place in their hearts. 

For me, this isn’t a knock whatsoever on James Conner. The pick accomplishes a few things. It provides protection in-case Conner gets injured. It also gives the team another option to carry the load - something I don’t think Benny Snell or Jaylen Samuels are cut out for. It allows them to rotate two backs, something the NFL is doing more often. Look at the 49ers last year - rotating three or four guys and keeping them all fresh. It probably means the Steelers can keep Conner next year at a reasonable price if he has a strong season as a rotational back. 

His name may be J.K. - but this is no joke.

If not Dobbins - Cam Akers RB Florida State

I think there’s a serious chance the Steelers want South Carolina WR Bryan Edwards (wrote about him last week) with this pick, but they don’t have the capital to move up, and he likely goes about 10-15 picks before this. The next best choice is Hunt - a bit of a raw prospect, but the Steelers have some time to develop him as they savor the last year or two of Al Villanueva. They signed Stefan Wisniewski, a versatile lineman who can play both G/T in free agency and also brought back Zack Banner. But Ramon Foster retired and there is uncertainty surrounding the readiness of Chuks Okorafor, who's entering his third year. Hunt can play guard year one and eventually shift over to tackle. Once again the Steelers focus on helping the offense. They know their success hinges on Ben and his health - a running-back and lineman with the first two picks preserves just that. 

If not Hunt - Brandon Jones S Texas

If not Fotu - Jon Greenard OLB Florida

If not Proche - Antonio Gandy Golden WR Liberty

If not Wallace - CB Harrison Hand, Temple

The Steelers book-end their draft with an Ohio State player and a Michigan player - that sounds about right. Hudson is also a local product from Mckeesport, just outside of Pittsburgh - and will likely still be on the board around this spot. He’s not exactly Devin Bush, but he has some traits that can develop into a roster-able talent if he’s able to stay focused. 

If not Hudson - Shaq Quarterman ILB Miami 

Thanks for reading! Make sure you follow us on Social Media. Leave us some feedback on what you think I missed. Likely everything.