With some very difficult free-agent decisions on the horizon, the Pittsburgh Steelers might be looking to re-build the roster at a variety of positions in 2021. This will have a serious impact on how the Steelers approach the 2021 NFL draft.
In this latest mock draft from SI, the Steelers are banking on a loss of wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and replacing him with Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle.
There’s a feeling the Steelers may not re-sign JuJu Smith-Schuster, who’s in the final year of his rookie contract. Should that scenario develop, they can go after Waddle, who should produce a lot more big plays from 33 catches, 560 yards and 6 TDs with Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III gone to the NFL. Waddle would be a great fit working off Diontae Johnson.
Even if the Steelers lose Smith-Schuster, it is hard to picture them making wide receiver the team’s top draft priority with Diontae Johnson, James Washington and Chase Claypool on the roster. Waddle is a good player and should take a nice leap forward this season. But given the potential positions who could take a hit in free agency, getting a top defensive player or offensive lineman could be a higher priority.
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