The Pittsburgh Steelers have made multiple big moves in free agency less than a week into the process. Pittsburgh has added three players at key spots of need but there’s still plenty of work to be done.
Perhaps the biggest move was the trade of wide receiver Antonio Brown to the Oakland Raiders. We decided since the Steelers got themselves a third-round pick in the deal, we’d update our four-round mock draft accordingly.
First round (20)-A.J. Brown | Wide receiver | Ole Miss
If the Steelers want to maintain consistent production in the passing game they have to get a wide receiver who can do a little bit of everything and is polished enough to produce early. A.J. Brown is a bully to opposing defenses and can do a little bit of everything in terms of route concepts and where he can line up.
Second round from Carolina (47)-Noah Fant | Tight end | Iowa
The Steelers let Jesse James leave in free agency. This is a perfect opportunity for Pittsburgh to draft a huge upgrade in Iowa’s Noah Fant. It might be ambitious to have Fant last this long but if he does, Pittsburgh must pull the trigger on another dangerous receiving threat.
Second round (66)-Oshane Ximines | Edge | Old Dominion
You might not have heard of former Old Dominion edge rusher Oshane Ximines but his game speaks for itself. He’s got ideal size and shows a nice package of pass-rush moves and counters. He’s got a great first step and finishes every play.
Third round (83)-Amani Hooker | Safety | Iowa
Coming back to Iowa a round later the Steelers land safety Amani Hooker. Hooker’s draft stock takes something of a hit because some teams consider him more of a cornerback and others a safety. This works well for the Steelers who can utilize him immediately in sub-package sets.
Fourth round (122)-Vosean Joseph | Linebacker | Florida
When it comes to big hitters, few guys can compare to Florida’s Vosean Joseph. He’s raw and often times plays without much discipline but there is plenty of starter potential there. A year in an NFL strength program will do him wonders.
