Nicastro: Post-Combine Steelers Mock Draft 2.0

84. Velus Jones Jr., WR Tennessee

In the great words of Beyonce, this is another “partner let me upgrade ya,” situation. In a landslide over unrestricted free-agent Ray Ray McCloud. Jones Jr. captured everyone’s attention at the combine, running a blazing 4.32 40 yard dash. He’s also arguably the best return man in all of college football, which will appeal to the Steelers in their likely post-Ray Ray days. Jones Jr. was the Co-Special Teams player of the year in 2020, while playing for USC. He transferred to a more explosive Tennessee offense in 2021, and reaped the benefits of a pass-heavy offense, scoring 7 TD’s and posting over 800 yards.

The biggest knock on Jones Jr. is that he’s already 24 years old. To put that in perspective, that’s just one year younger than JuJu Smith-Schuster. 

However, from a glass half full standpoint, it may mean he’s ready to contribute right away. He’d at least be a Ray Ray McCloud mirror image in year one, with the opportunity to grow into one heck of a slot WR. Remember, year one doesn’t define a player’s career. Especially when you consider how deliberate the Steelers often bring receivers into the mix offensively. 

I just did!

138. RD 4 - Lecitus Smith, G Virginia Tech

Shoutout to my guy, who appeared on our yinzer crazy podcast a few weeks ago to talk about his game and the Steelers’ interest in him. Yeah - you’re pissed because the Steelers waited until round 4 to draft an offensive lineman. However, I fully expect them to spend most of their free-agent capital addressing the OL, with rumors of interest in Bucs’ All-Pro Center Ryan Jensen already swirling. 

And no, I’m not just tossing him in this mock draft because he’s a friend of the program. It’s true when I say that Smith would be an absolute steal here. In a deep class at guard, there’s a chance he could fall to the 4th round. The Steelers should jump all over that.

Lecitus told me at the Senior Bowl that Mike Tomlin stood a few feet away from him and crossed his arms, observing him with force. He also said that he didn’t break his composure. The Steelers had an informal meeting with Smith at the combine. 

207. CB DeCobie Durant, South Carolina State

The Steelers address a need here with a freak athlete small school cat who just ran an impressive 4.38 forty at the combine. He’s incredibly raw. Most 5th round picks are. He also checks in at only 5’10 and 180 lbs, so he will need to eat a bunch of cheeseburgers this offseason. 

In the 5th round, why not throw a dart at a dude with a big time skillset? The Steelers obviously haven’t drafted corners well, really at all, so if they are going to do it, it’s probably better to wait until later. 

Speaking of waiting until later, much like my first mock, I am not doing a full 7 rounds. I’ll keep it 100, I don’t know the back-end of the draft well enough yet to throw some names out there. If you are reading this and you do, please hit me up and share some of your notes on those prospects. Just don’t include a Punter. 

Let me know on Twitter @MikedUpSports1 how you feel about this draft, and make sure to sign up for our free newsletter here at Yinzer Crazy.