ESPN’s Mel Kiper, Jr. Projects Oklahoma State OT Teven Jenkins to Steelers in Latest Mock Draft

ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper, Jr. has changed his pick for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third iteration of his mock 2021 NFL Draft, but he’s sticking with the offensive line.

Kiper now has the Steelers taking Oklahoma State offensive tackle Teven Jenkins with the No. 24 overall pick in the first round.

Jenkins is a 6-foot-6, 320-pound tackle from Topeka, Kansas that was a three-year starter at right tackle for the Cowboys. He also played some left tackle and right guard. Jenkins was unable to finish the 2020 season after dealing with lower back issues.

“They could still bring back longtime left tackle Alejandro Villanueva, who is unsigned,” Kiper wrote. “I’d still address the offensive line here — tackle Matt Feiler left in free agency too, and center Maurkice Pouncey retired — and Jenkins is a tough pass-protector and mauler in the run game.”

In the second version of Kiper’s mock draft, released on Feb. 25, Kiper had the Steelers taking Alabama center Landon Dickerson — a player he said he still strongly considered for the Steelers this time around. Kiper has Dickerson falling out of the first round in his latest draft.

Jenkins has been repeatedly linked to the Steelers. Michael Renner of Pro Football Focus, Tom Fornelli of CBS Sports and Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com have all mocked Jenkins to the Steelers.