When the Pittsburgh Steelers go on the clock in the first round of the 2019 NFL draft, everyone hopes the player they pick will be the guy who helps turn the team around from last season’s failings. But the reality is this draft class is very strong for the first 12 picks and then things drop off until the 20th pick and honestly the talent levels off a great deal.
Here are the seven most reasonable options for Pittsburgh in the first round.
Mack Wilson | Linebacker | Alabama
It is just wishful thinking Devin White or Devin Bush will be anywhere near the Steelers first-round pick. The next best inside linebacker in this class is Alabama’s Mack Wilson. He’s at least a step slower than either of the Devin’s but is a solid all-around football player.
Deandre Baker | Cornerback | Georgia
If the Steelers don’t think Steven Nelson is enough in the secondary, cornerback could still be the top draft priority. Deandre Baker is one of two first-round cornerbacks who could be on the board when the Steelers pick. Baker was good enough in the SEC teams typically avoided throwing to him and he does show promise as a man corner.
Byron Murphy | Cornerback | Washington
The other potential first-round cornerback for the Steelers is Washington’s Byron Murphy. Murphy is more physical and more of a risk taker over Baker but he’s also too aggressive at times and overruns plays and makes mistake. He, like Baker both, lack elite NFL height.
Hakeem Butler | Wide receiver | Iowa State
A name you might not have seen much of before is Iowa State’s Hakeem Butler. There have been plenty of wide receivers mentioned as potential picks to replace Antonio Brown but when the times, the massive Butler might be the best left on the board.
Marquise Brown | Wide receiver | Oklahoma
Speaking of Brown, there’s always the possibility the Steelers draft Antonio’s cousin Marquise to get a guy with similar stature and skill set. It isn’t clear what Brown’s timetable is for being healthy enough to play this season but removing the last name, Hollywood brings tremendous explosion tot he wide receiver position.
Dexter Lawrence | Defensive tackle | Clemson
This one is a little personal but if massive defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence is still on the board I’d love to see the Steelers add him. Pittsburgh is never opposed to drafting a defensive lineman early in the draft. Lawrence is a massive road grader at nose tackle and would give Pittsburgh a huge bump is run stopping.
Chase Winovich | Edge | Michigan
There is going to be a run on edge rushers in the first round. By the time the Steelers pick, guys like Montez Sweat and Brian Burns will be long gone. But if the Steelers are committed to finding a replacement for Bud Dupree they might reach for former Michigan edge Chase Winovich.
