Khan’s plan is coming into focus
As the boxes in the NFL pre-draft process are checked, the Steelers’ draft plan is beginning to take shape. With the most significant moves of free agency and trade season completed, the Steelers have filled in some of the major holes on their roster. They added three new quarterbacks, a starting inside linebacker, a starting cornerback and a starting safety.
At receiver, running back and defensive line, they added reserves to bolster depth behind starters. And at offensive line, outside linebacker and tight end, they’ve done nothing.
It’s not noteworthy for the latter two positions because the Steelers have starters and top reserves in place, but when it comes to predicting how the Steelers are approaching the draft next month, it is significant that no additions have been made on the offensive line. It’s the biggest clue in predicting their picks in the early rounds of the draft.
The Steelers are planning to take advantage of the uncommon depth in the offensive tackle and receiver classes coming out of the college ranks to fill out the rest of the starting lineup. Head coach Mike Tomlin said last week at the NFL annual meeting in Orlando that receivers and corners are better prepared to play in the NFL today because they have extensive knowledge of passing concepts with the proliferation of 7-on-7 camps when they’re in their high school years.
That gives the Steelers the flexibility to add a startingcaliber receiver on Day 2 of the draft either in the second or third round, where they have three picks — Nos. 51, 84 and 98. That also could be where the Steelers target a cornerback. While Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson are the starters there is an open job at slot corner and there is a need for a depth outside corner.
The wild card in all of this is center. There might be three plug-and-play starters in this draft class, and it’s questionable whether any of them will be available at pick No. 51 in the second round. That leads many to the conclusion the Steelers will take Jackson PowersJohnson or Graham Barton in the first round, but that’s not how personnel departments go about their business.
Assistant GM Andy Weidl will have each player in this class ranked on a big board, and the idea will be to select the best player on the board at a position of need. If that happens to be a center, so be it, but given the unusually high number of quality tackles available, it’s more likely the higher ranked player at No. 20 will be a tackle.
Here is mock draft 3.0 as the Steelers’ picture comes into clearer focus:
Round 1 (No. 20) OL Amarius Mims, Georgia ( 6- foot- 8, 340 pounds)
— The Steelers scouted Mims at Georgia’s pro day and had him in for a top-30 visit last month. Mims has only eight starts on his resume, but has the potential to be a cornerstone of their line for years to come. It might mean Broderick Jones stays at right tackle for a spell early in the season, but in due time, Mims will be ready to step into the lineup just as Jones did last season. When that happens, his former Bulldogs teammate can move over to his more natural left side of the line.
Round 2 (No. 51)
WR Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky (5-11,
215) — The Steelers had been linked to trade talks for San Francisco’s Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel, but if they’re not available, they can select Corley, who has been compared to both 49ers receivers in the predraft process. Corley is a physical receiver with excellent run-after-the-catch ability. He would be a nice complement to George Pickens, who will be the No. 1 target and big-play threat in new OC Arthur Smith’s offense. Corley was a high-volume and productive player in college, with more than 3,000 receiving yards and 29 touchdowns on his resume. In the right NFL system, he could be just as productive as a pro.
Round 3 (No. 84)
CB Max Melton, Rutgers ( 5- 11, 187) — The Steelers value versatility in their defensive backs, and Melton checks that box. He can play outside or in the slot. Melton could be a candidate to fill the open job at slot corner. If the Steelers bring back Patrick Peterson to play in the slot, Melton could be a chess piece in sub-packages with his varied skill set.
Round 3 (No. 98)
OL Sedrick Van PranGranger, Georgia (6-4, 298) – This is later than many fans would like the Steelers to get a center, but this is a unique year in which quality centers will be available on Days 2 and 3 of the draft. Van Pran-Granger was a three-year starter at Georgia and was named first-team All-American following last season. If West Virginia’s Zach Frazier is on the board when the Steelers pick in the second round, he will be under strong consideration, but Van PranGranger in the third round could give the Steelers a future starter, although he might not be ready to play right away.
Round 4 (No. 119)
DL Maason Smith, LSU (6-5, 306) — This is the area of the draft where the Steelers have targeted developmental defensive ends to eventually take Cam Heyward’s spot when he retires. It hasn’t worked out with Isaiahh Loudermilk (2021, fifth round) or DeMarvin Leal (2022, third round) so far, but maybe Smith can break the mold. It will take time, though. He entered the draft after his redshirt sophomore season.
Round 6 (No. 178)
ILB Jaylan Ford, Texas (6-2, 240) — The Steelers spent big in free agency to land Patrick Queen as their new three-down backer, but they need more quality depth at the position given the uncertainty around Cole Holcomb’s health and the fact that Elandon Roberts is entering the final year of his contract. Ford was named first-team All-Big 12 the past two seasons and can push Mark Robinson for a roster spot.
Round 6 (No. 195)
S Demani Richardson, Texas A&M (6-0, 211) — The Steelers found their starting safety in free agency when they signed DeShon Elliott, but need to find backups who can play behind Elliott. Richardson has lots of experience in a big-time conference with 55 starts over his five seasons with the Aggies.