With free agency just a few weeks away we decided to update our Pittsburgh Steelers four-round mock draft. But this one has a bit of a twist. We went ahead and figured in a trade. We have wide receiver Antonio Brown headed to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for the No. 47 overall pick. The trade makes sense as the Panthers need a weapon at receiver and it gets Brown out of the AFC.
Round 1 (20th Overall) Montez Sweat | Edge rusher | Mississippi State
If the Steelers can find a way to get more consistent pressure on the quarterback, it will mask many of the problems in the secondary. When they go on the clock with the 20th overall pick and former Mississippi State edge rusher Montz Sweat is on the board, he’d be a great value. Sweat doesn’t fit the physical mold of a Steelers’ edge rusher but his talent is undeniable.
Round 2 (47th Overall from Carolina for Antonio Brown) Chauncey Gardner-Johnson | Defensive back | Florida
The more I watch Florida defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, the more he looks like the type of hybrid defensive back the Steelers need. He’s got the size to line up outside but really excels in man under coverage. He’s physical and an exceptional tackler with underrated speed and ball skills. Gardner can move seamlessly between boundary cornerback, slot corner and even work as a box safety.
Round 2 (52nd Overall) Hakeem Butler | Wide receiver | Iowa State
The Steelers use their original second-round pick to upgrade their wide receiver chart. Iowa State had one receiving threat and it was the massive Hakeem Butler. But no matter how much coverage he draws, the massive Butler found a way to win over and over. He’s got a completely different game than any receiver the Steelers have had for some time but his package of skills is more than intriguing.
Round 3 (83rd Overall) Isaiah Johnson | Cornerback | Houston
The trend in this draft of getting athletes with speed and physical advantages continues here. Former Houston cornerback Isaiah Johnson is massive at 6-foot-3 but might be one of the fastest cornerbacks in the draft. He’s a smart player, adept in man coverage and fearless when the football is in the air.
Round 4 (122nd Overall) Kendall Joseph | Linebacker | Clemson
A lot of mock drafts have the Steelers taking an inside linebacker early. But if a guy like Clemson’s Kendall Joseph is going to slide because of size concerns, he would be a much better value pick. Pittsburgh wants speed and tackling on the inside and Joseph brings plenty of both. He’s a high-energy guy who is as comfortable blitzing the quarterback as he is working laterally to chase down running backs.
