Predicting the Steelers Draft Board

Let’s first cross off ten players who I believe have no chance to make it to 20. I have ranked them in the order that they are likely to go in the draft:

1 – Aidan Hutchinson DE Michigan

2 – Kayvon Thibodeaux DE Oregon

3 – Travon Walker DT Georgia

4 – Evan Neal OT Alabama

5 – Ikem Ekwonu OT NC State

6 – “Sauce” Gardner CB Cincinnati

7 – Derek Stingley CB LSU

8 – Charles Cross OT Miss St.

9 – Kenny Pickett QB Pitt

10 – Kyle Hamilton S Notre Dame

Pickett might be a surprise on this list, but with the Panthers infatuation with him, there is little chance Pickett makes it to 20. Aside from that, teams like the Seahawks, Falcons, and Commanders could also take him. Also, I think Hamilton could and almost certainly will fall. However, I cannot bring myself to talk him out of the top 10. I must be realistic, not optimistic folks. 

I’ve ranked the next 10 players in the order they are likely to be drafted, and the order of which I think they'd fall on the Steelers' board. Here we go:

11 – Malik Willis QB Liberty

The infamous Willis, who Steelers fans cannot decide if they love or hate, is the first player on this list here. He can go anywhere from #2 to the Lions, to 32 to also the Lions. High ceiling, low floor, Willis is a wild card, but the Steelers love him -- and would almost certainly take him at 20 if he was available.

12 – Drake London WR USC

While he has not received a lot of attention from Steelers fans, he's arguably the top WR on the board. A big-framed, aggressive contested-catch receiver, London is also an adept route runner, which is unusual for a player of his size. A matchup nightmare, he reminds me of Tee Higgins. The Steelers need at wide receiver would be filled if they could take him at 20.

13 – Trevor Penning OT Northern Iowa

I think Yinzercrazy Co-founder Mike Nicastro would literally go crazy if Penning makes it to 20 and becomes a Steeler. He's essentially the offensive lineman version of Jordan Davis, Penning is a nasty *expletive*.  Penning would fight for (and unless something went horribly wrong) and win the right tackle position. Run games woes? There would be no more with Penning on the line. I don’t think he makes it past the Chargers, but stranger things have happened.

14 – Jordan Davis DT Georgia

Jordan is a one-man fix for the Steelers run defense problems. Davis is perhaps the greatest blend of athletic ability combined with size over the last decade. His greatest problem is twofold. He is a nose tackle, and he doesn’t rush the passer particularly well. The Steelers wouldn’t need that, and with Davis commanding double teams, he would free up the rest of the defensive line to get after the quarterback.

15 – Trent McDuffie CB Washington

I know the Steelers signed two cornerbacks in free agency. But both of those were for two years, and Cam Sutton is a free agent after this season. McDuffie could play the slot as a rookie. McDuffie doesn’t have the highest ceiling in the class, but his floor is extremely high, and there is almost no chance he is a bust. And we've seen plenty of those come from the CB position when the Steelers are drafting them. A very solid, all-around prospect, McDuffie would be the Steelers number one cornerback of the future.

16 - Garrett Wilson WR Ohio State

Often compared to Odell Beckham, Wilson is a dynamic athlete with the ball in his hands. He ran a 4.3 40-yard dash, is a good route runner, and almost always makes the first defender miss. Wilson would be a great addition to the Steelers receiver room and could push Diontae Johnson for the number one receiver role.

17 – Jameson Williams WR Alabama

My favorite receiver in the draft, Williams has one eye-popping trait better than any WR else in this class – he's an incredible all-around athlete. Williams averaged 14 yards per catch in college and could be the next Martavis Bryant (with a cleaner reputation). His exceptional athleticism helps his route running, though he is more than a “one-cut-and-go” guy. Williams plays with fiery competitiveness, and played special teams for Alabama, a rarity for a star receiver. While Williams will be recovering from a torn ACL and likely need to redshirt some of the upcoming season, his upside is so high that he’s more than worth the pick.

18 – Chris Olave WR Ohio State

Some have called him “the next Justin Jefferson.” Olave is arguably the best route runner in this class. He consistently beats defenders over the top, even though he lacks "true" speed, running a 4.39 40-yard dash at the NFL combine. That's sarcasm. Combined with Diontae Johnson, the Steelers would have two number one wideouts, both of who can play anywhere on the field. I might like Olave more than most, but I don’t see the negatives many are choosing to finger point at. Watch the film, compare it to Justin Jefferson, and you’ll understand where I’m coming from.

19 – Daxton Hill S Michigan

For those who don’t know, Hill is technically a safety. He really should be labeled “defensive back,” because that’s what he is. He can play free safety, strong, nickel cornerback, slot cornerback, and even outside. He’s excellent in zone coverage, which is the Steelers primary scheme. And he’s a Michigan man - we know how much Tomlin loves his Michigan guys. He reminds me of a younger Honey Badger, and would give the Steelers the freedom to move Minkah Fitzpatrick all over their defense.

20 – Devin Lloyd LB Utah

Lloyd’s instincts might be the best of any player in the draft. The man just knows where to be. His ability to make plays is astounding, and he has all the length and size needed for the position, at 6”3, 236 pounds. He’s not the fastest linebacker, but his length more than makes up for it. He might be a day-one contributor at Middle Linebacker, or he could even be a backup outside linebacker while he sits behind Jack and Bush. Lloyd would ensure that the Steelers' linebackers would be a position of strength for years to come.

Whatever the outcome of the draft is, the Steelers are going to get a good player. Even if he's ranked number 20 on their board.