When the Pittsburgh Steelers go on the clock in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft they will have some significant decisions to make based on free agency. The Steelers stand to lose several players when free agency starts and will have very little salary cap space to replace them.
Having said that, in the new ESPN 2021 mock draft, they have Pittsburgh going a little off-script in terms of need but making a very safe, Steelers-like pick.
They have Pittsburgh taking Tennessee offensive tackle Trey Smith with the No. 22 overall pick. Here’s what they had to say about the selection.
Pittsburgh could go in a lot of different directions with this pick, including edge rushing, defensive tackle, linebacker, safety or running back. Quarterback is not out of the question either. But zero starting offensive linemen are under contract beyond the 2021 season. Both tackles are actually hitting free agency after the 2020 season, though Smith is better projected at guard in the NFL. Smith is a plug-and-play starter who could be a long-term replacement at left guard for Stefen Wisniewski, with the versatility to move around, despite a bit of injury history to consider.
I love Smith as a prospect. Despite what Todd McShay says, I think he has future as an elite right tackle. He might not have an immediate spot in the starting line like some other positions would but make no mistake, Smith is going to be a starter in this league for a very long time.
