When the 2020 NFL draft rolls around, the Pittsburgh Steelers will find themselves in a rather unique position. Short of a trade, the Steelers will not have a first-round pick. The last time the Steelers didn’t pick in the first round was all the way back in 1967. This presents a unique challenge to a franchise that has built its greatness around the draft.
This means when scouting the top prospects for the Steelers we have to look to the second round for options. Here is our top second-round prospect in each of the Steelers top positions of need.
Tight end
Cole Kmet, Notre Dame
This issue might be pointless when you consider how inept offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner is at utilizing the tight end position. But if they did want to join the rest of the league in the 21st century, Kmet is a great start. He’s a fluid receiver who runs graceful routes and still maintains adequate strength as a blocker. He’s more of a big wide receiver than a traditional Steelers tight end but this might be just what they need.
Edge rusher
Anfernee Jennings, Alabama
So far this season, Jennings hasn’t proven himself to be among the elite of this edge rusher class but it’s hard to deny his physical tools. He has long arms, elite strength and a thick frame. Bud Dupree’s future with the team is uncertain and depth behind him is questionable.
Wide receiver
DeVonta Smith, Alabama
Unfortunately, we find ourselves once again talking about the Steelers drafting a wide receiver. Despite spending multiple picks in recent seasons on guys to catch the football, without Antonio Brown this team still doesn’t have a true No. 1 wide receiver. Smith is the forgotten man on the Alabama wide receiver depth chart. But with his long frame, elite speed and smooth routes he’d be a solid weapon for the Steelers passing game.
Defensive line
Leki Fotu, Utah
The Steelers still need a big man in the middle and they don’t come much bigger than Fotu. At 6-foot-5 and 335, Fotu would be the ideal player to plug the middle of opposing offenses and allow Javon Hargrave to excel as a pass rusher. Defensive line might not seem like a top priority but with Stephon Tuitt’s health always a question, getting a player like Fotu makes sense.
