At this point, mock drafts for the Pittsburgh Steelers are starting to feel like deja vu. The NFL draft is only a few weeks away but things are starting to come to a screeching halt for the Steelers and any semblance of originality when it comes to Pittsburgh picks. Touchdown Wire has a new one-round mock draft and the pick of former Washington cornerback Byron Murphy is the least surprising pick of all.
Here’s what they had to say about the pick.
Pittsburgh’s defense took an enormous step back last season, and while some of that had to do with Ryan Shazier’s absence (why Pittsburgh should also consider an athletic linebacker early in the draft), it was also a scheme that didn’t play well with a host of limited defensive backs. If the Steelers are to continue to play a heavy Cover-zone scheme, they might as well get a guy who plays it at a high level. That’s Murphy, who plays with a technical refinement that transcends most college players at his position
While I don’t have an issue with Murphy as a prospect I’m just not sure cornerback is the best use of draft resources. This is especially true after the signing of Steven Nelson.
If the Steelers did draft Murphy, who does he replace on the depth chart? If he moves into a starting role is makes the money invested in Nelson seem foolish. And Mike Hilton isn’t giving up the nickel spot anytime soon.
Who would I draft in this scenario? Looking at the picks coming after the Steelers, I’m not sure how you pass on Florida State edge Brian Burns. The Steelers have to cut ties with Bud Dupree soon and Burns is a beast off the corner.
