Pittsburgh Steelers

2017 NFL Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers' Late-Season 7-Round Mock Draft

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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With the Pittsburgh Steelers not guaranteed a spot in the playoffs, it seems like the right time to take a look at their potential plan for the 2017 NFL Draft.

This season has been a rollercoaster ride for the Pittsburgh Steelers. They went from contender, to pretender, back to contender in about two months. Despite all of that, they’re still going to need several things to go their way to secure a trip to the postseason.

Seeing as that’s the case, it won’t hurt to take an early look at what their 2017 NFL Draft haul could look like. That’s why I’ve put together this seven-round mock draft for Pittsburgh.

Now it’s important to remember that this is not a true prediction of what I believe will happen on draft day. Instead, it’s an opportunity to look at the Steelers’ potential draft needs while gauging the current stock of some prospects who could realistically end up on Pittsburgh’s big board this offseason.

As long as you keep those things in mind, you’ll be golden. Also be mindful of the fact that I’m making these projections with the assumption the Steelers secure a pick in the early 20s.

So, without further ado, let’s take a look at how the Steelers could spend their seven current picks when the 2017 NFL Draft gets under way.

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Round 1: Takkarist McKinley, OLB – UCLA

There’s no way around it—the Steelers could use some help in the pass rushing department next season. Although they’re in the middle of the pack in terms of sacks, they’ve been unable to routinely provide their secondary with the necessary pressure on the passer.

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While the secondary could use some help of its own, Pittsburgh should start up front. That means going out and spending an early-round pick on an impact edge rusher. That’s why I like a player like Takkarist McKinley in the mid-to-late first round.

The UCLA product is a joy to watch on film. Not only does he have an excellent get off and the flexibility to get around the edge, but his motor never stops. Even if he’s beat, McKinley finds a way to make an impact with his tenacity and hustle.

Especially with Jarvis Jones and James Harrison scheduled for free agency, the Steelers will be looking to add some more bodies on the edge. It’s not like Bud Dupree has given the Pittsburgh defense much to be excited about through two injury-filled seasons.

In today’s pass-happy NFL, it’s all about getting after the quarterback. The Steelers used to have an elite defense, and can get back to that level by adding more talent on the edge. McKinley makes too much sense to fill a huge need on Day 1.

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Round 2: Gareon Conley, CB – Ohio State

Surprise, surprise; another Ohio State cornerback getting a ton of attention from NFL scouts. Gareon Conley has been flying up draft boards this year due to his impressive play and could find himself coming off the board somewhere in the first couple of rounds. If he does slip into the second round, I think the Steelers would be smart to target the Buckeye.

Pittsburgh already addressed the position last draft with the selection of Artie Burns in the first round. However, based on what we’ve seen this season, more talent is required for the Steelers to get back to their dominant ways on defense. That is, unless they’re content with owning the 20th-ranked pass defense.

The injection of more pass-rushing ability will help. McKinley will make life easier for all of their cover men, but that doesn’t mean more talent at cornerback wouldn’t help. It’s not like Justin Gilbert is a reliable No. 4.

Yes, William Gay and Ross Cockrell are quality pieces of the Pittsburgh secondary. However, Gay is getting up there in age and Cockrell has had an up-and-down career. With the passing game playing such a pivotal role in today’s NFL, having too many quality cornerbacks is never a bad thing. Hence, the selection of Conley here.

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Round 3: Braden Smith, G – Auburn

At this very moment, the Steelers have a very strong starting offensive line. Guards Ramon Foster and David DeCastro are quality starters—I don’t foresee either of them leaving Pittsburgh by next season. The depth along the interior, though, is concerning. Most of their backups have been hurt this year, and aren’t all that reliable to begin with. Adding some more depth at guard seems like something the Steelers should do this upcoming offseason.

One early-round option could be Braden Smith, who has spent his career at Auburn pushing around the biggest, toughest defensive tackles the SEC has to offer.

Although his pass blocking could use some work, Smith appears to have all of the tools necessary to hold his own on an NFL offensive line. He’s got great power, plays to the whistle and offers enough athleticism to be an effective puller from the guard spot. Plus, his chops in the run-blocking department have scouts intrigued.

With the Steelers in need of depth and quality offensive linemen always a valuable commodity, this move makes sense. Smith can give Pittsburgh another capable body along the interior, with the potential to develop into a starter.

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Round 4: Devonte Fields, OLB – Louisville

With two outside linebackers headed for free agency and another always hurt, adding more than just McKinley would be wise. It’s not like Arthur Moats is suddenly going to develop into a premier pass rusher, and the ceiling is limited with Anthony Chickillo.

Enter Devonte Fields, a high-upside prospect who brings with him plenty of baggage. If the Steelers are convinced he can turn his life around, though, this could be a huge steal.

When Fields entered the college football world, he was seen as a star in the making. The former TCU standout looked like a force to be reckoned with off the edge, shining early in his career with his ability to get to the quarterback. Then, some off-field issues including an alleged domestic disturbance incident led to his dismissal.

Since then, he took a trip to Trinity Valley CC before landing at Louisville, where he got his act together. After two solid seasons for the Cardinals, Fields has somewhat rehabbed his image and is looking for an opportunity to take advantage of his ridiculous natural talents in the NFL.

Again, this’ll come down to how interviews play out. Assuming all goes well, though, I could see the Steelers gambling on his immense potential in the middle rounds.

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Round 5: Corey Clement, RB – Wisconsin

Believe it or not, the Steelers could use some new blood at running back.

Both Le’Veon Bell and DeAngelo Williams are free agents this offseason. While I doubt Bell gets away, Williams may walk if another team makes the right offer. Retirement could also be an option considering his recent injury woes. If that’s the case, Pittsburgh would be left with Fitzgerald Touissant as the top backup to Bell. Not exactly an exciting scenario.

That’s where a mid-round talent like Corey Clement comes into the picture. The Steelers need someone to fill the role currently held by Williams (when healthy), and the Wisconsin product is more than capable.

After taking over for former first-round pick Melvin Gordon, Clement keep the Badgers’ running game going strong. Although he doesn’t possess as much explosiveness as his predecessor, he’s more than capable of picking up the tough yards and can make an impact as a receiver as well.

The Steelers need an insurance policy, especially with Bell always getting suspended or hurt. Clement may not be the most exciting option available, but he has the talent to be a solid spot starter early in his career. It also helps that he can likely be had for a fifth-round pick considering how deep this 2016 running back class should be.

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Round 6: Dalvin Tomlinson, DT – Alabama

When healthy, the Steelers’ defensive line is among the best in the NFL. Cameron Heyward and Stephon Tuitt form a dynamic duo on the ends, while Javon Hargrave and Daniel McCullers do a great job of holding down the middle. The depth behind them, though, is far from impressive.

It would be in Pittsburgh’s best interest to target some defensive line depth during the 2017 NFL Draft. One mid-to-late round option I like is Dalvin Tomlinson, an underrated piece of the Crimson Tide’s dominant defensive front.

Tomlinson won’t blow you away on the stat sheet and hasn’t exactly been a star among Alabama’s elite defense. What he brings to the table, though, is flexibility, toughness and explosiveness. It also happens that he’s a pretty solid interior pass rusher, a talent that isn’t easy to come by these days.

If he landed in Pittsburgh, I’d guess he’d contribute immediately. He’s definitely got the tools to see the field early, and would likely get opportunities based on the health issues the team’s defensive line has recently dealt with. Especially with Ricardo Matthews set to enter free agency, more defensive line depth is a must. With Tomlinson, the Steelers get a high-upside prospect with the versatility to play all along their 3-4 front.

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Round 7: Bug Howard, WR North Carolina

It’s unclear what the future holds for the Steelers at wide receiver. Obviously Antonio Brown is still the star of the group, but Darrius Heyward-Bey is wildly inconsistent, Martavis Bryant is suspended and still at least somewhat unproven, Marcus Wheaton likely won’t be re-signed and Sammie Coates is still a work in progress.

Pittsburgh needs more options in the passing game moving forward. Hence, the addition of the underrated Bug Howard here. The Tar Heels’ reliable receiver has been making plays for North Carolina for the last four seasons, and took yet another step forward in 2016. While he doesn’t have blazing speed and will never be a star at the next level, he has all of the tools to be a dependable weapon for Ben Roethlisberger. His 6-5 frame also helps.

More than anything, Howard is a sure set of hands with the size and instincts to develop into a consistent contributor in the NFL. Just ask Mitch Trubinsky, who went to him on a weekly basis to pick up big chunks of yards. Howard may never be anything more than a possession receiver and red-zone threat. For a seventh-round pick, though, I don’t think you can ask for much more.

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