If you are doing a mock draft for the Steelers, it’s easy to look at a guy like Washington cornerback Byron Murphy or Alabama linebacker Mack Wilson and plug them in. Both guys are reasonable, rational picks for a team like Pittsburgh. But as we’ve seen from the Steelers before, when it comes to picks late in the first they have no problems going off script for the best player on the board.
This got us thinking about the defensive line. It isn’t a need but Pittsburgh has shown they never feel like they have enough guys up front for the rotation. So here are three defensive linemen the Steelers could consider at the end of the first round if their top options are long gone.
Jerry Tillery | Defensive line | Notre Dame
I don’t understand why Notre Dame defensive lineman Jerry Tillery isn’t getting more pub but make no mistake, he’s a tremendous player. He’s streaky and there are stretches of his film where he doesn’t stand out but in a rotational could be a standout. He’s powerful working downhill and can just overwhelm offensive tackles at a five-technique.
Clelin Ferrell | Defensive end | Clemson
On paper, Clemson defensive end Clelin Ferrell is a fairly straightforward 4-3 defensive end. But for the Steelers, he’s something of a tweener. His length is ideal for a 3-4 defensive end but would need to bulk up from 265 pounds. As an outside linebacker, Ferrell would need to drop some weight and get quicker in space.
Jeffery Simmons | Defensive line | Mississippi State
It is remarkable to me when I see former Mississippi State defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons in the first round. The ultra-talented defensive lineman tore his ACL in February and it’s doubtful he will be ready to go in 2019. But if Simmons were healthy he is a top 10 pick. Some team is going to take a shot on Simmons and it might just be Pittsburgh.
