Nicastro: Steelers Mock Draft 2.0

Banks is a press-corner who’s almost exclusively going to play on the outside in the NFL, similar to how he aligned at Maryland. He has experience with both man-to-man and zone coverage. His measurables are strong at 6’1 and 200 lbs, plus he ran a blazing 4.35 forty, and tested in the 99th percentile in RAS, a metric used to profile prospects based on their testing in relation to their position group. He can also really tackle, and isn't afraid to do it.

I also don’t think Omar Khan would pigeon-hole the Steelers into drafting Brian Branch. To allow Cam Sutton and Terrell Edmunds to walk in free agency just so you can draft Branch is malpractice. Who knows if he will even be there? 

Pick 32: Mazi Smith, DL Michigan

I can hear you already. "No offensive lineman in the first two picks?!" The fact of the matter is, the Steelers have three major holes to fill. Defensive back, defensive line, and offensive tackle. They will draft those players based on value, not need, like they always have. With tackle's such as Tennessee's Darnell Wright off the board, and Ohio State’s Dawand Jones, who I considered taking at 17, headed to the Bengals at pick 28, Smith is the best player available at a position of need. 

His power is palpable. He’s a perfect fit in the 3-tech, and can even play some zero. And Mike Tomlin reportedly LOVES him. So much so that he met with him twice in one week. 

Pick 49: Blake Freeland, OT BYU 

It’s safe to say the Steelers and assistant general manager Andy Wiedl have a type. That type is big ass offensive lineman. Apparently you have to be over 6 feet and 300 lbs to play up front for the black and gold. Check our their three offensive line additions this offseason:

Isaac Seumalo: 6’4 305 lbs

Nate Herbig: 6’4 335 lbs

Le’Raven Clark: 6’5 320 lbs

Blake Freeland: 6’8 305 lbs

Well then. 

The BYU captain is a four-year starter who can come in immediately and be an upgrade over Dan Moore Jr. at left tackle. His play is conducive to a zone-blocking heavy offense, which the Steelers utilize as they continue to upgrade their ground game. Freeland tested incredibly well at the combine - which means the only barrier between him and Pittsburgh will be him lasting this long.

Pick 80: Parker Washington WR Penn State

The Steelers do select a Nittany Lion after all, just maybe not the one you forecasted. I’m not going to lie, I’m extremely worried about the slot receiver position on this team. Calvin Austin III has fun traits, but I don’t trust a receiver that small and fragile to be highly productive in the NFL. Here are some of the shortest wide receivers in the league, currently: 

Rondale Moore - 5’7

Jakeem Grant - 5’7

Amari Rodgers - 5’9

DeAndre Carter - 5’8

Wandle Robinson - 5’7

Jaelen Dardon - 5’8 

What do these guys have in common? They haven’t showed much ability to actually be productive receivers. (I think the jury is still out on Robinson, but Moore, blah.) 

Washington is built differently. He's bulky, at 5’10 and 212 pounds. According to PFF.com, Washington played in the slot in 87.5% of his college snaps. He caught 110 passes the last two seasons in a run-heavy offense. He fits the profile. He’d start over Austin in the slot in year one. 

Pick 120: Ivan Pace Jr - LB Cincinnati 

The Steelers had a formal meeting with Pace Jr. at the Senior Bowl, and he fits the profile of the linebackers Khan and Wiedl have signed this offseason. He’s a run stopper first, and really attacks the ball at the line of scrimmage. He does struggle in pass coverage, but it appears that the brass hasn’t been too concerned about that. His versatility is welcomed, as he can play both inside and outside linebacker. 

Pace started his career at Miami of Ohio, but transferred to Cincinnati last year hoping to improve his draft stock by playing stiffer competition. He was named the first unanimous All-American in 135 years of Bearcats football. He also won AAC defensive player of the year.

I’d say that decision paid off.

My decision to not continue on with the 7th round is also going to pay off, because I have things to do. Tweet me @MikedupSports1 AND WATCH THIS SHOW for the breakdown of all of these picks!! Until next time.