Trouble is on the horizon for the Pittsburgh Steelers if they don’t drop some salary in a hurry. The Steelers haven’t gone crazy in free agency at all, but made an attempt to keep some of their own players and added one impact guy, tight end Ladarius Green from the Chargers.
The Steelers currely sit with less than $2 million in available salary cap for 2016, so some hard cuts are coming. That makes this draft all the more important as Pittsburgh will have to really shed some contracts in order to even sign its own draft class. With that in mind, here’s my Perfect Mock Draft for the Pittsburgh Steelers
To see every team’s Perfect Draft click here.
Round 1, Pick 25 – Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
2015: 33 tackles, two for a loss, one interception, seven passes defended, one fumble recovery, 6-foot-1, 199 pounds
Apple has shot up draft boards since the NFL combine where he laid down a fantastic 40 time of 4.40 to go with his size, range and production. Apple sealed the deal on his speed when he topped that time at his pro day with a 4.34. The Steelers have no bigger need in this draft than cornerback and Apple represents the physical specimen they need in the defensive backfield to match up with players like A.J. Green, DeAndre Hopkins and other potential divisional and playoff match-ups.
Round 2, Pick 58 – Su’a Cravens, OLB, USC
2015: 86 tackles, 15 for a loss, 5.5 sacks, two interceptions, six passes defended, two forced fumbles, 6-foot-1, 226 pounds
The Steeleers have been on a complete linebacker corps rebuild over the last few seasons and Cravens will complete that move. He’s a multi-talented player that can rush the passer, take on blockers and fall out into coverage. His 4.66 40 is one of the best times of this linebacker class and good enough to keep pace with tight ends and running backs in the flat. Jarvis Jones and James Harrison teamed up on the left side to make one decent outside linebacker. Cravens can replace them both.
Round 3, Pick 89 – Javon Hargrave, DT, South Carolina State
2015: 59 tackles, 22 for a loss, 13.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, 6-foot-1, 309 pounds
The Steelers have two good defensive lineman at the ends with Stephon Tuitt and Cam Heyward, but it’s the middle of the line they have trouble getting any significant production from. Hargrave could solve that problem. He’ll need more development after manhandling opposition at a lower level, but he can be a rotational guy immediately at all three defensive line positions in the Steelers 3-4 scheme.
Round 4, Pick 123 – Darian Thompson, Safety, Boise State
2015: 60 tackles, 8.5 for a loss, one sack, five interceptions, four passes defended, two forced fumbles, 6-foot-2, 208 pounds
Thompson is a heat-seeking missile out the secondary with good size and speed and a knack for coming down with contested footballs. The Steelers haven’t had that kind of center fielder safety since Troy Polamalou retired. Thompson may not have the potential to be a future Hall of Famer like Polamalou was, but he can hold down the fort.
Round 6, Pick 220 – Darion Griswold, TE, Arkansas State
2015: 13 catches, 187 yards, two touchdowns, 6-foot-3, 253 pounds
Stat-wise Griswold may not seem like an upgrade over the Steelers two other plodding tight ends of Matt Spaeth and Jesse James. What he brings to the table is a lot more athleticism and potential. Spaeth is at the end of his career and is what he is. James only showed up in eight games last season. Griswold has good size, speed and strength and actually played quarterback back in high school.
Round 7, Pick 232 – Lawrence Thomas, DE, Michigan State
2015: 38 tackles, five for a loss, three sacks, five passes defended, 6-foot-3, 286 pounds
Thomas is an athletic defensive end with good rush speed coming off his best season at the position for the Spartans. He’s got enough skills across the board that Michigan State sometimes used him as a fullback.
Round 7, Pick 249 – Eric Mac Lain, OG, Clemson
2015: All-ACC first team, 6-foot-4, 313 pounds
Mac Lain was a key part of one of the best offensive lines in college football as Clemson unleashed a deadly pass and rush attack. Mac Clain is another player that can cover multiple positions on the field including center and, of all things tight end. He was a four-star tight end prospect coming out of high school.
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