Latest NFL.com Mock Draft has Steelers Taking Missouri LB Nick Bolton
NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks has released his latest mock draft, and believes the Pittsburgh Steelers will select a linebacker in the first round.
Brooks projects Pittsburgh to draft Missouri linebacker Nick Bolton with the No. 24-overall pick.
“The heat-seeking missile out of Missouri is the perfect partner for Devin Bush between the tackles,” Brooks said.
He is right. The Steelers now find themselves thin at linebacker following the release of veteran Vince Williams, and could use another athletic linebacker adept in both run and pass situations. Bolton is just that.
Bolton evolved into one of the best linebacker in the nation over the last two seasons, combining for 198 total tackles, 16.5 tackles-for-loss, three sacks and two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown He twice earned First-Team All-SEC honors for his performances in 2019 and 2020.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin had a Zoom call with Bolton before his pro day, when he worked out for Steelers inside linebackers coach Jerry Olsavsky.
“The biggest advice from [Tomlin] was stop being so hard on myself,” Bolton said. “I’m my biggest critic, and it kind of shows.”
Brooks is sticking to his guns with this latest projection, having also proposed Bolton to the Steelers in first mock draft in early February. The 2021 NFL Draft kicks off Thursday, April 29 in Cleveland.
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