Free agency in the NFL starts soon and we will have a much clearer picture of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ NFL draft needs. But if we assume Pittsburgh won’t be a serious player in free agency, defense will once again be the focus in the draft. Our friends over at Draft Wire have put out a brand new three-round mock draft and there are some big changes for the Steelers.
First round-Jachai Polite | EDGE | Florida
Most mock drafts for the Steelers lean heavily toward a cornerback in the first round. We don’t deny cornerback is a top need but this draft class isn’t strong enough to warrant using the No. 20 pick on one. Jachai Polite is a tremendous edge rusher and dynamic athlete. Pittsburgh seriously needs an upgrade at outside linebacker and Polite is ready to play now.
Second round-Amani Oruwariye | CB | Penn State
Pittsburgh desperately needs to add some size on the outside at cornerback. Former Penn State cornerback Amani Oruwariye has elite NFL size and is a guy Steelers’ fans should be familiar with. The strength of Oruwariye is his man coverage and physicality. Pittsburgh needs to find their way to less zone defense and this pick would help make that happen.
Third round-Khalil Hodge | LB | Buffalo
There are plenty of mock drafts putting inside linebacker in the first round. But the reality is there is plenty of talent on the team to cover the position when you consider how little the Steelers actually use two inside linebackers on the same play. But if the Steelers could get a run stuffer like Khalil Hodge in the third round he’d be a younger, more athletic version of Jon Bostic.
