Breaking Down Potential Offensive Lineman the Steelers Could Pick at 55
The Steelers kicked off the 2021 NFL Draft by securing their guy in Najee Harris. Certainly, the pick was no surprise. However, it does mean that the need at the offensive line has to be filled on Day 2. It is possible the Steelers could take both a center and tackle, but at least one of the two should be filled today. Just who is on the board that the Steelers could potentially look to add on Day 2?
Going by SteelersNow’s Top 268 Big Board, here are some of the top options left.
Landon Dickerson, C, Alabama (18th overall player)
A bruising tank of a blocker, Landon Dickerson is one of the best talents on the offensive line in this class. An extremely intelligent football, Dickerson backs up his brains with plenty of brawn. He is a pure mauler who moves everyone right in the middle of his path. Even with less than ideal athleticism, Dickerson’s angles in space allow him to cut off second-level defenders with ease.
Still, Dickerson’s injury history is a big-time problem. With four season-ending injuries in five years, the Steelers will have to decide when the reward outweighs the risk with Dickerson. Certainly, he is a suitable option at 55 if he makes it to that point, but Dickerson could also potentially go into freefall.
Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State (22nd overall player)
The OT4 on the big board, Teven Jenkins surprisingly fell out of the first round. It is unlikely he makes it to 55, however, there are some notable concerns that have arisen with Jenkins over the past 24 hours. A hip injury and some reported questions about how he handles coaching are the big question marks from him. However, he clearly plays mean and has the active athleticism to be a big-time tackle or at the very least, a good guard at the next level. If he makes it to 55, the Steelers may have a dream scenario.
Creed Humphrey, C, Oklahoma (25th overall player)
The second center still on the board that could have gone earlier, Creed Humphrey is another player who could certainly be on the Steelers’ radar. Testing as an elite athlete, Humphrey’s background as a wrestler helps him win the leverage battle. He knows how to turn defenders to open up holes thanks to excellent body control and balance. His biggest boon, however, is his football IQ, where he manned the Sooners offense for the past few seasons.
Unlike Dickerson, Humphrey does not have injury concerns. It would be a mild upset for him to make it 55, but if he is there it is hard to see him not being the pick.
Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas (28th overall player)
One of the more athletic players available at this point in the class, Samuel Cosmi is a guy with phenomenal tools. His play strength is going to be the big question for him moving forward. However, he has a great snatch-trap move that allows him to put a lot of these power rushers that could give him trouble into the dirt. Cosmi is a guy who has technical work to do, as he is still new to football, but he could be the starter from day one at Left Tackle.
Spencer Brown, OT, Northern Iowa (34th overall player)
Perhaps the big sleeper option for the Steelers at 55, they have shown plenty of interest in Spencer Brown. Adrian Klemm was at his Pro Day and they had a zoom meeting with the massive tackle. A former tight end, Brown’s footwork is absolutely phenomenal. This is a guy who still has some inconsistencies with his technique, specifically his hand usage and punch timing, but he has all the physical to be a really special football player. It is probably one of the most realistic picks at 55, and should make Steelers fans very happy.
Quinn Meinerz, C, Wisconsin-Whitewater (43rd overall player)
Quinn Meinerz might be the best bet for the Steelers at 55. They have not hidden their love for him at all. After being intrigued by Meinerz at the Senior Bowl, Adrian Klemm went to Meinerz’s Pro Day and ran the drills for him. It is easy to see why the Steelers love Meinerz. He is athletic, nasty, and is one of those guys that can set the physicality up at the line similar to how Maurkice Pouncey used to do for the Steelers. His technique appeared to be much-improved at the Senior Bowl, and with his overall profile, Meinerz could be quite the find.
Dillon Radunz, OT, North Dakota State (49th overall player)
Another guy that Klemm saw up and close at his Pro Day, Dillon Radunz is a guy who the Steelers will love as an athlete with strong, heavy hands. This is a guy who improved gradually over his time with the Bison and his best football is likely ahead of him. Also working at center at the Senior Bowl, Radunz has lots of versatility to move up and down the line if the Steelers would by chance need him to do that.
Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame (50th overall player)
The Steelers sent the house to Notre Dame’s Pro Day this year. All of Kevin Colbert, Mike Tomlin, and Adrian Klemm were at the Pro Day. Liam Eichenberg was likely one of the main attractions for the Steelers to check out on the day. While he is not a great athlete, especially in his lower body, Eichenberg is one of the best technicians in the class. There are few tackles coming out that have his football IQ and hand usage. If drafted, Eichenberg is a plug-and-play starter.
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