Offensive line gets attention in 2nd mock
Top pick could claim a tackle job immediately
The previous time the Steelers had to overhaul their offensive line, they were not shy about using draft resources to make that happen. All one has to do is look to 2012, when they selected David DeCastro in the first round and spent their second-round pick on tackle Mike Adams. They also used their final pick in that draft on another tackle, Kelvin Beachum, who turned out to be much better than Adams.
The Steelers should have eight picks in this draft and, facing a rebuild similar to 2012, no one should be surprised if they take multiple offensive linemen again.
Since mock draft 1.0, Maurkice Pouncey announced his retirement, making center one of the team’s top needs along with tackle and running back.
The quarterback situation has likely been resolved, too, with team president Art Rooney II saying he wants Ben Roethlisberger to return. That leaves tackle, center and running back as the options in Round 1.
What if Najee Harris and Travis Etienne are off the board when the Steelers select at No. 24? At that point, the Steelers should not hesitate and take advantage of a deep class of offensive linemen and address the team’s biggest weakness.
(The NFL has yet to announce compensatory picks for this year’s draft, but the Steelers are expected to receive two comp picks, which are reflected below.) 1. T Jalen Mayfield, Michigan (6-5, 320) — Mayfield has the tools to step in and start right away for the tackle-needy Steelers. With left tackle Alejandro Villanueva and Zach Banner set to become unrestricted free agents and Chukwuma Okorafor entering the final year of his rookie contract, the Steelers need short- and long-term answers at this important position. Mayfield is strong at sealing off the backside and would work well in the concepts that figure to be implemented under new coordinator Matt Canada and new offensive line coach Adrian Klemm. Mayfield played right tackle at Michigan and is projected to play there in the NFL. 2. TE Pat Freiermuth, Penn State (6-5, 260) — The Steelers have been trying to replace Heath Miller for the past five years without much success. They might have an answer if they can grab Freiermuth in this spot. He is considered the No. 2 tight end in this class behind Florida’s Kyle Pitts, an expected top10 pick. Freiermuth would immediately become the No. 2 tight end and then become the starter in 2021. Another reason this makes sense is the Steelers need a solid blocking tight end to help the run game. Freiermuth can do that as a rookie. 3. CB Thomas Graham Jr., Oregon (5-11, 193) — With starters Joe Haden and Steven Nelson entering the final years of their contracts and with slot corners Mike Hilton and Cam Sutton set to become unrestricted free agents, the Steelers have uncertainty at the position in the shortand long-term. It’s highly unlikely all four will be back. That means at the very least the Steelers need to find a corner that can
potentially play in subpackages as a rookie and develop into a starting- caliber player in the future. Graham was a three-year starter for the Ducks and had eight career interceptions.
4a. C Quinn Meinerz, Wisconsin-Whitewater ( 6- 3, 320) — Meinerz played guard at Division III Wisconsin-Whitewater, but he performed well at center during Senior Bowl week. Wisconsin-Whitewater did not play last fall, so teams can only judge him on his previous seasons. Drafting a Division III linemen has become more common in recent years. Meinerz might not be ready to play as a rookie, but he can be groomed for the job by a veteran free agent.
4b. RB Demetric Felton, UCLA (5-10, 200) — If the Steelers aren’t fortunate enough to get Harris or Etienne in Round 1, they’ll have to look to the middle or later rounds of the draft to find another playmaker for their offense. Felton played mostly running back at UCLA, but he lined up at receiver during Senior Bowl week. Felton has versatility and production on his resume with 1,101 rushing yards and 958 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns during his time with the Bruins.
6a. ILB Tuf Borland, Ohio State (6-1, 234) — The Steelers certainly could take an inside linebacker higher in the draft if Vince Williams is released, but they need to add a player to the mix on the inside with Avery Williamson likely to move on as a free agent. Devin Bush and Williams or Robert Spillane will be the starters. Behind them are Ulysees Gilbert and Marcus Allen, both of whom are undersized linebackers. Borland can come in and compete for a spot on the roster and provide solid special teams duties.
6b. OG Royce Newman, Mississippi (6-6, 311) — Newman played tackle and guard in the Southeastern Conference, so he would give the Steelers position flexibility. The Steelers could need a starting guard as soon as 2022 with David DeCastro entering the final year of his contract, and they certainly could use a developmental tackle.
7. OLB Daelin Hayes, Notre Dame (6-3, 260) — With Bud Dupree likely to move on in free agency, Alex Highsmith will step into the starter’s role next season. But they’ll need to add some quality depth behind Highsmith and T.J. Watt. Hayes could compete for a roster spot at a position where there is a need for quality depth.