Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Mock Draft Roundup, 2.0

Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Pittsburgh Steelers from several prominent sites and draft analysts.

For a more inclusive lists of mock drafts for the Pittsburgh Steelers, check out our 2021 Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft Database.

The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Steelers:

Rotoworld - Thor Nystrom (8/21)

21. Tyler Shelvin, IDL, LSU

Javon Hargrave left in free agency over the offseason and the Steelers don't have a long-term solution to replace him. Pittsburgh could shop local with Pittsburgh iDL Jaylen Twyman here, but the 6-foot-3, 346-pound Shelvin, who has 55 pounds on Twyman, feels like a better block-eating inside fit for Pittsburgh's scheme than the undersized Twyman.

PFF - Mike Renner (8/19)

19. Trey Smith, IOL, Tennessee

Smith has the type of road-grader mentality that has made the Steelers line one of the NFL's best over the past half-decade. He played four different positions along the line in an encouraging true freshman season before blood clots in his lungs robbed him of crucial developmental time. Smith was back and better than ever last year, though, and he didn't allow a sack all season.

The Draft Network - Kyle Crabbs (8/19)

21. Tyler Shelvin, IDL, LSU

A run on defensive linemen isn't enough to deter the Steelers from locking in a monster of their own up front -- the Steelers lost Javon Hargrave in free agency this offseason and didn't nail down a suitable replacement. Shelvin is all that and then some; he's an absolute monster of a nose tackle and with Pittsburgh being out of the range for a top-tier quarterback prospect, there aren't a lot of other appealing options here who could actually help the Steelers win in the here and now.

Pro Football Network - Oliver Hodgkinson (8/16)

25. Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama

The Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line has been one of the best in the NFL, but with multiple players set to hit free agency, including Alejandro Villaneuva, Matt Feiler, and Zach Banner, the 2021 NFL Draft might be the time to look to the future. Speaking of the future, how much longer will Ben Roethlisberger play? Defensive line and cornerback headline the defensive areas that could be addressed.

A potential early-round pick last year, Alex Leatherwood returned to Alabama to improve his stock ahead of the 2021 NFL Draft. Leatherwood utilizes strength and aggression in pass protection, but his strongest suit maybe his run blocking ability. The debate will be whether he best projects as a tackle or guard in the NFL. Either way, he will be a stellar addition to any offensive line.

ESPN - Todd McShay (8/12)

22. Trey Smith, IOL, Tennessee

Pittsburgh could go in a lot of different directions with this pick, including edge rusher, defensive tackle, linebacker, safety or running back. Quarterback is not out of the question either. But zero starting offensive linemen are under contract beyond the 2021 season. Both tackles are actually hitting free agency after the 2020 season, though Smith is better projected at guard in the NFL. Smith is a plug-and-play starter who could be a long-term replacement at left guard for Stefen Wisniewski, with the versatility to move around, despite a bit of injury history to consider.

The Draft Network - Jordan Reid (8/10)

21. Jaylen Twyman, IDL, Pittsburgh

Even though he was primarily a backup, the Steelers' interior defensive line depth took a hit with the loss of Javon Hargrave. In an attempt to restack the deck there, the team selects Twyman, who is a versatile and active piece that can play in multiple schemes. The Pitt defensive tackle will be presented with the opportunity to continue to play in his home stadium as he did in college. The former Second-Team All-American is best known for his disruption as a pass-rusher, but still has strides to make against the run--which is an area that he can develop further while in Pittsburgh.

Pro Football Network - Matthew Valdovinos (8/9)

25. Hamsah Nasirildeen, S, Florida State

The Steelers defense this year was dominant, with a big reason being the emergence of Minkah Fitzpatrick as arguably the best safety in the NFL last season. Unfortunately, fellow 2018 first-round safety Terrell Edmunds has not taken the same leap in his play. If Edmunds continues to underperform, the Steelers may look to replace him with a more capable option.

Nasirildeen is a tweener who blurs the lane between safety and linebacker. His 6-foot-4 frame gives him the size to play the run and cover tight-ends, meanwhile he has the athletic ability to drop into coverage competently. A pairing of Minkah and Hamsah would be on of the top young safety duos in the NFL.

The Draft Network - Joe Marino (8/3)

21. Tyler Shelvin, IDL, LSU

The Steelers have enjoyed the contributions of Javon Hargrave on the defensive line and were unable to replace him last offseason. The return of Stephon Tuitt will be a major boost, but Pittsburgh's depth up front can be improved--in addition to moving on from Daniel McCullers.

Shelvin is a monster. He is 360 pounds with a stout anchor that completely owns the line of scrimmage and has more mobility than your typical man of his stature. He can easily defend multiple gaps against the run and provide push up the middle on passing downs. Shelvin competes with a motor that is always cranked.

Previous update: Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

MORE TEAMS: All NFL Team Mock Draft Roundups

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