Earlier in the week, we offered our opinion on a new seven-round mock draft Bleacher Report put out. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, they really missed the mark and so we thought we’d use the mock draft to do a re-draft and see if we can do any better.
Second round: CB Noah Igbinoghene, Auburn
New pick: EDGE Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn State
In the original mock, B/R went with a cornerback. But the reality is if Bud Dupree leaves via free agency, drafting an edge rusher will be a much higher priority. Gross-Matos is not only a local hero but a relentless pass rusher with the size and strength to set the edge in run support as well.
Third round: WR Denzel Mims, Baylor
New pick: IOL Lloyd Cushenberry III, LSU
Again, when you think about who is staying and who is going, adding a wide receiver here makes no sense. There’s a real possibility however that guard Ramon Foster will be a cap casualty, creating a huge hole among the interior offensive line unit. Cushenberry was a star at the Senior Bowl and is adept at either guard or center.
Fourth round: RB Javon Leake, Maryland
New pick: DL Nick Coe, Auburn
While we concede Pittsburgh could look for some help at running back, it doesn’t trump the need to potentially replace Javon Hargrave. Coe is in the mold of the type of defensive lineman the Steelers love for their 3-4 front. He’s got the size to play inside and outside and can rush the passer.
Fourth round: IOL Damien Lewis, LSU
New pick: TE Colby Parkinson, Stanford
At this point, with the interior offensive line taken care of the Steelers can use a luxury pick on Parkinson. He’s a vastly underrated route runner and receiver and at 6-foot-7 could be a huge matchup buster in the red zone. This move could be a must if Vance McDonald ends up a cap casualty.
Sixth round: TE Devin Asiasi, UCLA
New pick: RB Antonio Gibson, Memphis
Having drafted a tight end in the fourth round, the Steelers can instead address running back in the sixth. Gibson is a hybrid running back/Wide receiver out of Memphis but could find a home as a feature running back in the NFL. Despite being a big, physical back, he’s very agile and elusive in the open field. Think of JuJu Smith-Schuster’s build with a running back mentality.
Seventh round: EDGE Alex Highsmith, Charlotte
New pick: EDGE Alex Highsmith, Charlotte
The one pick we kept from the original draft is Highsmith in the seventh round. This mock ignores quarterback but there’s really no point in drafting one this late. But Highsmith has real NFL potential as a pass rusher and could get stashed on the practice squad in 2020.
