Noah Nichols: Steelers' Mock Draft 1.0

Pick 84: Kyle Phillips, WR, UCLA

The Steelers' need a receiver, and they need one badly. Kyle Phillips is on the board here, so I take him. Phillips is a stockier version of Diontae Johnson. Excellent route runner, tough to bring down, and shifty with the ball in his hands. Phillips 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.

Others Considered: James Cook, Nik Bonitto, Rasheed Walker, Abraham Lucas

Pick 138: Danny Gray, WR, SMU

The Steelers will probably draft two receivers just like I have them doing here. They’ve done it before, most recently with Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown. Danny Gray provides something the Steelers offense lacks: speed. Gray ran a 4.3 at the combine, and at 6”2, is a deep threat that must be accounted for. He still has some growing to do, but I trust the Steelers to develop their receivers, which is what they do better than any other team in the NFL.

Others considered: Max Mitchell, Zaquandre White, John Ridgeway, Chigoziem Okonkwo

Pick 208: Amari Carter, S, Miami

The Steelers get their strong safety in the sixth round. Hopefully, the Steelers will have a veteran here, so they won’t be starting a rookie. Carter is a rocked-up, punishing safety, that takes pride in attacking ball carriers. He needs to learn to harness his aggressiveness and clean up his technique, but he brings the mentality and athleticism to the position the Steelers need.

Others considered: Markquese Bell, Nick Grant

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.

Others considered: Michael Clemmons, Myron Cunningham

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 tackles, 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.

Others considered: Connor Heyward, Amarè Barno

All in all, in this mock draft the Steelers added two receivers, got their quarterback of the future (hopefully), a strong safety, their future number one cornerback, a developmental right tackle, and a running back to compliment Najee Harris.

I’d call this one a win.