Steelers draft preview 

With the NFL draft fastly approaching and the Steelers having many needs, it’s time to channel our inner GM and look at the Steelers current picks and predict what they’ll do with them.

-Round 1 (20th overall/trade ): Malik Willis, QB, Liberty: Willis in my opinion, is the perfect fit for the Steelers. He’s an electric dual threat Qb that would fit perfectly into Matt Canada’s offense. He Is still raw but luckily would be able to sit behind Trubisky until he is ready. Overall I believe he has the most potential of any QB in this draft, if he is still available at 20 I think it’s a no brainer to pick him there but realistically we will probably have to trade up to get him but I think it’s worth it.   

 –Round 2 (52nd Overall): Sky Moore, WR, Western Michigan:  Overall this seems like a true Steelers move right here. Tomlin knows Moore better than anyone  as he was a QB at Shady Side Academy High school with Tomlin’s son Dino. The Steelers also have a pretty good track record when picking MAC receivers with guys like Dionte Johnson (Toledo), and Antonio Brown (Central Michigan). Moore was exceptional for Western Michigan being a three time all MAC selection. His lightning quick speed makes him a perfect replacement for JuJu Smith Schuster. 

  -Round 3 (84th Overall): Nick Cross, S, Maryland:  Although we recently just signed Terell Edmunds I really like us picking Cross here. He is raw but the youngest player in this draft at only 20 years years old, and with Edmunds only signing a one year deal, he could play as a sub package player his rookie year and eventually if we let go of edmunds take over the strong safety spot. There’s a lot to like when you watch Cross, he’s a physical, hard hitter that will be an enforcer on any defense he plays for. Not to mention he also has a Dino Tomlin connection as he was his roommate in college, so expect coach T to be a big fan of his. 

–Round 4 (138th Overall): Coby Bryant, CB, Cincinnati:  The Steelers secondary needs some significant upgrades especially with the high powered offenses in the AFC North. Coby Bryant, who won the Jim Thorpe award as the nation’s top defensive back, would be a great selection for the Steelers. Bryant possesses good size and ball skills that should allow him to be a good outside corner for a team, which is something the Steelers need as we most likely won’t re-sign Joe Haden. Bryant is also known as a high character guy and leader in the locker room which would be a great fit in the Steelers organization.

-Round 6 (208th Overall): Obinna Ezie, OL, TCU: It was clear last season that the Steelers needed some significant help up front. Signing James Daniels and hoping Dan Moore develops into his second season should be things that will help but I still think they need to go out and get some more help. Ezie is a very intriguing prospect with his size and athleticism.  He has a lot of work to do technique wise before being a quality NFL starter. However if he can work those things out, being 6’8” with a 7’1” wingspan, and violent tendencies at the point of attack he could be a star.

-Round 7 (225 Overall): Jerrion Early, RB, Ole Miss: Najee Harris had a strong rookie campaign despite running behind one of the worst offensive lines in the league. It was evident that Najee was getting pretty beat up though and was often overused. This isn’t necessarily bad but if we want Harris be as effective for as long as possible, drafting a guy like Early could help reduce the wear and tear off Najee. Early was very versatile for Ole Miss and can play a variety of roles for an offense, which would be perfect to occasionally take some of the touches away from Harris in the passing or running game. 

-Round 7 (241 Overall): Mario Goodrich, CB, Clemson: Goodrich is very intriguing to me and I think he could develop into a quality player if put in the right system. He has good length and plays great in zone which would be ideal for the Steelers. He also is one of the best corners in this draft when it comes to run support and has a lanky frame that allows him to break up passes. He does have some weaknesses but in my opinion is one of the most underrated corners in this draft.