Nichols 7-Rd Mock Draft: Steelers' Trade Up for Willis

Pick 10: Malik Willis, QB. Liberty

Arm talent, running ability, charisma, Willis has it all. With the highest ceiling (by far), and the lowest floor, he’s a boom-or-bust type of quarterback. However, his running ability will keep his floor higher than some might think, and Willis would also redshirt his rookie season, only playing in the Pre-Season. While he gets compared to Lamar Jackson because of their similar running abilities, Willis has a stronger arm and has more velocity on his throws. Willis, like Lamar, has the potential to start this year but is unlikely to do so as he sits and refines his game. I love him as a prospect, and I wish the Steelers could take him at 20. The chances he makes it there are much too slim, and I believe the Steelers think the same, thus the trade-up.

Pick 84: Kyle Phillips, WR, UCLA

The Steelers need a receiver like I need a reason to stop running mock draft simulators, which is to say, they need one badly. Phillips is a day-one slot starter, though he is not exclusive to the slot. Phillips is a stockier version of Diontae Johnson. Excellent route runner, tough to bring down, and shifty with the ball in his hands. He excels in the slot, which is what the Steelers need. If you don’t trust me, look him up on YouTube, then come back here. He also has the potential to help on special teams, though I’m not sure how willing Tomlin is to let his starting slot receiver play on ‘teams.

Pick 138: Dominique Robinson, EDGE, Miami (OH)

I looked at drafting a safety here, but my target, Nick Cross, was already gone. It’s plausible for the Steelers to take a Safety here, but only if the value fits. Sure, they could use a backup with upside, but Terrell Edmunds and Minkah Fitzpatrick never come off the field, so the EDGE need, well, edges out safety.

Originally recruited to Miami (OH) as a dual-threat quarterback and spent time as a tight end before switching to defensive end, Robinson offers good agility and short-area quickness. While very athletic, he’s a raw prospect who needs to refine his moves and traits to become more effective and consistent.

He’ll make a few “flash” type plays that will make you fall in love with this guy. He’s got a hot motor and his effort is there; it’s his lack of knowing the more refined particulars of the position that he lacks. Robinson will be able to play special teams while he grows and offers some potential when he’s on the field. In a year or two, he could be a star.

Regardless of his future as a star, edge is an underrated need for the Steelers, and I think this pick keeps the room a strength.

Pick 208: Isaac Taylor-Stuart, CB, USC

These next two picks are quite similar; very talented, extremely raw prospects that need a year to grow. Taylor-Stuart possesses all of the traits needed in a cornerback; 4.44 40-yard dash, excellent lateral agility, quickness, and straight-line speed. He’s a willing participant in the run game and plays well in man, though a move to off-man/zone would help, as he seems to be more comfortable in those schemes.

As far as drawbacks go, he just needs time to grow. I’d project him to redshirt, perhaps playing here or there on special teams. He does have the potential to take Justin Layne’s spot, but Taylor-Stuart would need to prove his special teams worth over Layne, who is an above-average special teams player.

Pick 225: Andrew Stueber, OT, Michigan

Mike Tomlin loves himself a Michigan man and he gets one here. Stueber is a developmental right tackle who is at his best in the run game. Standing at 6”7, 338 pounds, Stueber projects as a mauler, though he has plenty of work to do in pass protection. He is the kind of player Tomlin would love. He could be a huge hit a year or two from now, and even if he doesn’t become a starter, he has the tools to be a plus backup.

Pick 241: Ty Chandler, RB, UNC

Chandler is one of my “draft crushes.” He reminds me of the Cowboys' Tony Pollard, with his solid frame, ability to bounce off tacklers and speed to take it to the house. Chandler has relatively little tread on his tires, so the Steelers are getting a fresh prospect here. Chandler is competent in pass pro, and coaches should feel confident leaving him in on third down. Chandler also has shown flashes of being a good receiver, but needs more opportunity. I love the diversity of skills he would provide in conjunction with Najee Harris. Sure, Anthony McFarland can also do that, but McFarland hasn’t flashed enough for me to be confident in him.

Overall:

I like this draft, in some capacity. The Steelers get their quarterback of the future, but I don’t enjoy missing out on a second-round prospect like wideout George Pickens, whom the Steelers love. I pray that Willis manages to fall to 20, allowing the Steelers to keep their second-round pick, but I doubt it happens.

And a second-round pick is a small price to pay for their next franchise quarterback.