The Pittsburgh Steelers, as it currently stands, have needs littered over their roster. And while they will inevitably address some of those in free agency and fill out the rest of the team, trying to mock draft their strategies now is tough just because of the questions that surround the team as a whole.
Regardless, it is the offseason and so mock drafts roll along. Pro Football Network’s A.J. Schulte took a crack at mocking out seven rounds, which is tough to do at this point, but he has the Steelers in their first three rounds grabbing Georgia tackle Amarius Mims, Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson, and Washington quarterback Michael Penix. The explanations for each are self-explanatory, and cornerback gets addressed with Auburn’s D.J. James in the fourth-round and Arkansas Beaux Limmer right after that. In other words, the team has addressed center and cornerback in free agency. So, they take a swing at tackle, receiver, and quarterback.
“The Pittsburgh Steelers have to get their tackle situation sorted out, and it starts with moving Broderick Jones over from right tackle back to his natural position at left tackle. After that, why not invest in his uber-talented former teammate, Amarius Mims, at right tackle? Mims is inexperienced, with just eight starts under his belt, but is far from dirt raw and has the tools to be among the NFL’s best tackles. As he grows more comfortable, Mims and Jones could give the Steelers a dynamite pair of bookends on their offensive line,” Schulte wrote.
Mims is a high-end talent with beautiful footwork and an ability to get out in space and work. Honestly, his tape is a little bit more polished than you would think compared to Jones, especially with the level of experience that Mims has in college.
The Steelers showed plenty of interest in Wilson, and Mike Tomlin seemed to be a fan, asking multiple players to challenge themselves against him. He is a physical receiver with a stocky build that explodes in and out of breaks. Wilson shined at the Senior Bowl.
Penix’s Sugar Bowl game is one that everyone should point to if they want the Steelers to land him.
He completed 28 of 36 attempts for 430 yards and two touchdowns against them, showing off his best traits. Penix has an identity as a guy who can run a little hot and cold at times, but there is no doubt he was on in this game.
His vertical passing ability stuck out as he made tight window throws downfield all game. The most impressive part of his game? His pocket movement. Penix’s calm movements allowed him to distribute the ball to his excellent playmakers efficiently.