Sunday, January 17, 2021

Pittsburgh Steelers 2021 NFL Mock Draft Roundup, 4.0

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:

EDSFootball - Kevin Hanson (1/15)

24. Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson

The Steelers ranked last in the NFL in rushing yards per game (84.4) and while they rank bottom five in rush attempts (373), they also rank last in the league in yards per carry (3.6). Meanwhile James Conner, who is in the final year of his deal, has struggled to stay on the field.

As a two-time ACC Offensive Player of the Year, Etienne surprised many by returning to school in 2020, but he would offer the Steelers a three-down home run threat that has improved as a receiver over the past two seasons.

San Diego Union Tribune - Eddie Brown (1/13)

24. Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson

The Steelers are facing difficult decisions at almost every major position after this season, but it was clear they were a one-dimensional offense for most of 2020 and James Conner could leave in free agency. I was shocked when Etienne decided to return for his senior season, but he re-enforced everything I liked about him the previous three seasons. He's a three-down threat who has an uncanny nose for the end zone.

CBS Sports - Chris Trapasso (1/13)

24. Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama

The Steelers are going to have plenty of difficult decisions to make this offseason, and rebuilding the offensive line is a must.

The Athletic - Dane Brugler (1/12)

24. Mac Jones, QB, Alabama

Ben Roethlisberger's future in Pittsburgh is uncertain and the Steelers already know his successor isn't on the roster. Jones is a tough prospect to evaluate because of the perfect situation around him at Alabama, but he deserves credit for his poise in the pocket and consistent decision-making.

The Draft Network - Joe Marino (1/7)

28. Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame

The Steelers are destined to hit the reset button. Ben Roethlisberger's arm is worn out and there are several key free agents that Pittsburgh is unlikely to be able to retain. Teams are built in the trenches and Eichenberg is a polished blocker that improved every season at Notre Dame. He profiles as a long-term starter in the NFL and the Pittsburgh offensive line is in need of some youth.

ESPN - Todd McShay (1/7)

28. Najee Harris, RB, Alabama

James Conner is playing out the final few games of his rookie deal and might not return. If he doesn't, running back will be a hole. Benny Snell looked adequate this season when called upon, but Harris is different. His 1,387 rushing yards are third in the FBS this season, and he has averaged two scores on the ground per game. Speed, power, pass-catching and pass-protection ability, Harris brings it all.

On the quarterback front, Pittsburgh could potentially land one of the top five guys, but a deeper option also could be in the mix if Ben Roethlisberger decides to retire and/or the team does not do something in free agency. Offensive line also is a big-time need, so perhaps Wyatt Davis (Ohio State) or Trey Smith (Tennessee) are in the mix.

USA Today - Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz (1/5)

28. Landon Dickerson, IOL, Alabama

As easy as it might be to connect Pittsburgh to a potential Ben Roethlisberger successor with this pick, fortifying the front with a stabilizing presence like Dickerson seems like a move more befitting the franchise, so long as the veteran quarterback returns for another year.

Athlon Sports - Bryan Fisher (1/5)

28. Najee Harris, RB, Alabama

How many times did you hear about the Steelers' trouble running the football this season? They heard it too and with James Conner unlikely to be the featured guy come 2021, this is a move with an eye to get back to the team's deep-rooted identity while adding yet another weapon on offense.

Previous update: Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft Roundup 3.0

MORE TEAMS: All NFL Team Mock Draft Roundups

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