With only days until the NFL draft, we decided to do one final three-round update of our Pittsburgh Steelers mock draft. We’ve been doing regular updates based on studying the prospects as well as tracking players the Steelers appear to have interest in. But the theme of the updates has always been centered on who we would draft, not necessarily who the Steelers would.
But for this update, we decided to take all the information and perhaps misinformation we’ve gotten and set up the four picks based on who we think the Steelers would pick given the scenario.
First round
CB Greedy Williams, LSU
There are three cornerbacks int he first-round mix, all of which the Steelers have shown an interest in. But history says if head coach Mike Tomlin or general manager Kevin Colbert aren’t at the pro day, they aren’t a first-round pick. The only one of the big three they did attend is LSU, which puts Williams at the top of the list.
Second round
EDGE Chase Winovich, Michigan
You can look at Winovich in two ways. First, I do believe the interest in drafting Winovich is very real. He’s a high-effort edge rusher who finds ways to be productive and would give Pittsburgh a great third man in the outside linebacker rotation. But I don’t believe the Steelers will draft him in the first round. But if he falls to the second, the Steelers could snatch him up in a hurry.
Third round
LB Gary Johnson, Texas
Johnson is one of several mid-round linebackers the Steelers have shown an interest in. Pittsburgh is looking to get faster and more athletic in the middle of the defense and Johnson fits the bills. He’s lacking some polish and technical skill but he flies to the football and has tools you can’t coach.
Third round
WR Gary Jennings, West Virginia
While at West Virginia, Jennings transitioned from a possession receiver to more of a deep threat and this is what the Steelers are missing now that Antonio Brown is gone. He’s got legitimate track speed on the field and found ways last season to pull the top off of opposing defenses. His ability to line up inside or outside would give allow the Steelers to move him around and create favorable matchups for JuJu Smith-Schuster in the slot.
