The Steelers draft Peter Skoronski, and so do the fans, and a big name linebacker lands in Pittsburgh in more than one mock draft.
“The Steelers’ weakness entering the season was their offensive line,” Parson wrote. “Peter Skoronski is some people’s top offensive tackle in the class. He is technically refined and intelligent. Regardless if he plays OT or is kicked inside at guard, get the best five players on the front line for Kenny Pickett and Najee Harris.”
From there on out, Pittsburgh took Maryland cornerback Deonte Banks with their first second-round pick. They followed it up with Clemson linebacker Trenton Simpson to round out the first two rounds. Those three picks fill three needs, and a lot of them are the best player available picks, so this would not surprise if this actually ends up happening or has some truth to it.
“Devin Bush has not been that guy. Robert Spillane, Myles Jack, Tae Crowder… the list of names has not been exceptional. Perhaps it’s time for Mike Tomlin to take a different tack in this regard — instead of trying to find the next great traditional off-ball ‘backer, maybe look for one of the new iterations of positionless linebackers who can do multiple things in multiple ways,” Farrar wrote.
Linebacker is a big need, but is it worthy of being picked at 17th overall? That is a question Pittsburgh will have to ask themselves, but if Simpson tests out of the water as he could, there’s always that chance.
“Southern Miss WR Jason Brownlee (6021, 202) has been one of the better prospects here overall,” Reid said. “Crafty route runner, strong hands and really good body control at the catch point.”
Brownlee racked up a career-high 891 receiving yards for 8 touchdowns while averaging 16.2 yards per catch. His downfield explosiveness is something interesting to note, and he is on track to test well. Brownlee could be a sleeper that is drafted come April.