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2021 NFL Draft

PFF Has Steelers Taking Back-to-Back Edge Rushers in Latest Mock Draft

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Pro Football Focus has dropped their latest two-round mock draft, and has the Pittsburgh Steelers selecting consecutive edge rushers.

In the first round, PFF projects the Steelers to draft Miami edge rusher Greg Rousseau with the 24th-overall pick.

Rousseau opted out of last season, but was outstanding in 2019, earning ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. He recorded 54 total tackles, 19.5 tackles-for-loss and 15.5 sacks, the second-most in the nation.

The Hurricanes conducted their pro day Monday, and Rousseau measured in at 6-foot-6.5, 266 pounds. He also registered a wingspan of 83 inches with 11-inch hands, while running an impressive 4.68 in the 40-yard dash.

Even after hypothetically selecting Rousseau, PFF does not believe the Steelers will be satisfied with just one additional edge rusher.

They are also projecting Pittsburgh to select Houston pass rusher Payton Turner with their second round pick.

A three-year starter for the Cougars, Turner displayed versatility playing both inside and outside during his college career.

He totaled 114 total tackles, 23.5 tackles-for-loss, 9.5 sacks and an interception over four seasons in Houston.

It should be noted that the Steelers already have one of the league’s edge rushers in T.J. Watt, and drafted Alex Highsmith in the third round just last year. Pittsburgh did loss Bud Dupree to the Tennessee Titans in free agency.

The 2021 NFL Draft kicks off Thursday, April 29 in Cleveland.