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Steeler17
Looking at how the Steelers can win the offseason
Published at 1/18/2018
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           With the Steelers season ending a week ago, now seems like a good time to begin looking toward the future, and by future, I mean this offseason. The Steelers are in a really interesting position, as there is only one really important player that needs to be signed. On the flip side, the Steelers have no real money to invest in outside talent. They cut Wilcox, Gay, DHB, and Sensabaugh. To make a story short, the Steelers place the franchise tag on Bell (after quite a few contract adjustments). On top of that, the Steelers sign S Jarius Byrd and WR Kamar Aiken for the vet minimums. Finally, to add a little fun, the Steelers trade Bryant to Kansas City for a 2018 4th and a conditional 2019 pick while the Steelers send Mike Mitchell to the Chargers for a 6th round pick. Trades are nearly impossible to predict, so none of this will probably happen, but it is always fun to spice up mock drafts. So, without any further ado, the Pittsburgh Steelers are on the clock.

Round 1: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville- Even with Ben’s commitment to playing for the next few years, the Steelers really need to look into finding his successor. Dobbs has backup potential, while Jones has proven to be nothing more than a backup. Jackson has his flaws, but his natural talent and potential make him well worth the pick. He can learn behind Ben for the next few years while he sharpens his passing skills. While bigger needs are at safety and LB help, and I am enamored with Ronnie Harrison from Alabama, Jackson has superstar potential.

Other options: Ronnie Harrison S, Mark Andrews TE, Rashaan Evans ILB

Round 2: DeShon Elliot, S, Texas A&M- With Mitchell and Wilcox gone, the Steelers need a running mate next to Sean Davis. Even with Byrd and the likes of Golden and Dangerfield still owning contracts, the Steelers need a guy that can cover. Elliot has the coverage skills, but has some questions with athleticism. He can ball out though, and isn’t afraid to stop the run either.

Other Options: Mason Rudolph QB, Leighton Vander Esch ILB, Lorenzo Carter OLB

Round 3: Sione Teuhema, OLB, Southeast Louisiana- He is from a small school, but he flashes a lot of power and ability. The Steelers lost Harrison and will probably not resign Moats. While I love Watt and like Chickello as a reserve, Dupree has me worried. A little extra competition and depth can’t hurt.

Other options: Luke Falk QB, Royce Freeman RB, Oren Burks ILB

Round 4 (trade): Darius Leonard, ILB, South Carolina State- Shazier isn’t certain to return, and if he doesn’t return, a new player is needed across from Vince Williams. Even if Shazier returns, depth is needed, as Dirty Red is a stud special teamer but leaves a lot to be desired on defense. Leonard is coming from a small school, but has great size and talent. He needs to be given the chance to develop, but could become a good starter.

Other options: Rashaad Penny RB, James Washington WR, Kevin Toliver CB

Round 5 (from SF): Josh Adams, RB, Notre Dame- Even if Bell is tagged, it doesn’t seem like he is in the Steelers long term plans. Conner showed some good ability, but he may never be starter material. Adams plays with a lot of burst and power and should be a good compliment to Bell/Conner.

Other options: Jaleel Scott WR, Jaylen Dunlap CB, Marquis Haynes OLB

Round 5: Taron Johnson, CB, Weber State- Johnson is a small school prospect, but he plays hard. He has good size and great ball skills. Likewise, he wouldn’t be an instant starter, but he would have a year or two to hone his skills and learn to play at the higher level. He would be a project, but could turn into a decent spot starter/depth player in given time. Considering two of our CB’s were cut, the extra depth is needed.

Other options (turning to positions): WR, TE, NT

Round 6 (trade):  Lowell Lotulelei, NT, Utah- Hargrave is great, but doesn’t always set the edge in the run game always. Throw in the fact that the run defense fell apart, the Steelers need to find a NT to compliment Hargrave and help stuff the run. That is what Lotulelei does well. He wouldn’t have to be a starter, but he can take some pressure off of Hargrave.

Other options: WR, TE, S

Round 7 (from NYG): Antonio Callaway, WR, Florida- Callaway is oozing with talent and potential, but he has a lot of off field issues. He could very well bust out due to his issues, but a 7th round pick isn’t that high of a risk. If he shapes up, he could easily become an amazing value pick.

Round 7: Jamar Summers, S/CB, Conneticut- The Steelers look to add more depth to their secondary, and Summers fits that mold. He has great athleticism, but is very raw. That being said, he can play anywhere in the backfield. With the major cuts at CB and S, having a player like Summers will be an amazing benefit.



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