The Steelers need a running back, but GM Kevin Colbert doesn't draft RBs this early. He does, however, seem to love taking linebackers in Round 1, and Collins' rare combination of size, range and coverage will be appealing.
Left tackle Alejandro Villanueva is a free agent, and the Steelers could look to save some money by replacing him with a rookie. There is a handful of offensive tackles who are first-round players this year, so 2021 is the year to do it for Pittsburgh.
The Steelers finished dead last in both rushing yards and yards per attempt in 2020, a vulnerability that showed up during the team's late-season collapse. Grabbing Harris here would be a good start toward correcting that issue, giving Pittsburgh a bruising between-the-tackles runner who's also very skilled in the passing game.
It's high time they reinvested in the offensive line, especially with LT Alejandro Villanueva's contract up. Mayfield may not be ready to man the blind side immediately -- he did play there at times for the Wolverines -- but should be able to lock down the right side right away.
Pittsburgh lost five of its last six games after starting 11-0, and holes were exposed, particularly after edge rusher Bud Dupree tore his ACL in early December. And with Dupree now a free agent, this would be a pick to grab a replacement. Collins is a do-everything linebacker who had four sacks, four interceptions (two for TDs) and two forced fumbles on the way to winning the Nagurski Award last season. At 6-4, 260 pounds, he could slot into Dupree's position and excel at getting after quarterbacks or dropping into coverage to confuse offensive coordinators. Collins is a really intriguing chess piece for a smart defense. The Steelers could also think about offensive line with this pick.
The Steelers' inability to run the football last season was a major problem. They could take a runner here -- I love North Carolina's Javonte Williams and Alabama's Najee Harris -- but I think they will address the offensive line instead. Jenkins plays with an edge (see what he did against Texas) and would provide some youth/athleticism to Pittsburgh's aging group.
Whether or not Ben Roethlisberger returns, the Steelers need improvements on the offensive line. Starting left tackle Alejandro Villanueva and guard Matt Feiler are set to hit free agency, and veteran center Maurkice Pouncey is reportedly "50-50" on retiring. Cosmi is a safe bet to be a solid starter, allowing eight pressures on 368 pass-blocking snaps this past season, per PFF.
