Saturday, April 17, 2021

Pittsburgh Steelers 2021 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 9.0

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 - Hanson (4/15)

24. Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia

Without a first-round pick in 2020, the Steelers have used their last seven first-round picks (2013-2019) on defense. One of those first-rounders (Bud Dupree, 2015) departed via free agency this offseason. While I don't think there's any chance that they let another of those first-rounders (T.J. Watt, 2017) hit free agency in 2022, he's currently scheduled to play on the fifth-year option of his rookie deal.

Leading the SEC with 9.5 sacks in 10 games last year, the 20-year-old redshirt sophomore closed his collegiate career with three sacks and two forced fumbles in Georgia's bowl game against the Cincinnati Bearcats.

Fox Sports - Rang (4/15)

24. Javonte Williams, RB, North Carolina

Bringing back Ben Roethlisberger on a one-year deal means the Steelers recognize their window to compete could be closing fast. Even with James Conner having signed with Arizona as a free agent, Pittsburgh has plenty of other backs on the roster. Who among them, however, is a difference-maker? Williams is viewed by some scouts as this year's best back and would offer immediate impact potential.

CBS Sports - Jones (4/14)

29. Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama

We could name any number of needs for Pittsburgh heading into the draft but let's address the obvious one first. Leatherwood can play guard or tackle but has the physical tools to settle in at tackle over the long haul if that's what's needed.

Washington Post - Clayton (4/14)

24. Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas

The Steelers need blocking help for Ben Roethlisberger. Center Maurkice Pouncey retired and guard Matt Feiler went to the Chargers in free agency, while left tackle Alejandro Villanueva remains unsigned as a free agent.

The Athletic - Brugler (4/14)

24. Najee Harris, RB, Alabama

Harris is highly skilled at toggling between patience and power to press holes and maximize each run. And with his ability as a pass-catcher, he gives the Steelers an immediate impact player who can help the organization contend this season.

Yahoo Sports! - Edholm (4/13)

24. Landon Dickerson, IOL, Alabama

The retirement of Maurkice Pouncey means the Steelers need a center. Their run game has slogged, and Ben Roethlisberger needs all the protection he can receive. Dickerson is a massive mauler with versatility to play any of the three interior spots and possesses the exact temperament the Steelers seek.

The problem: His torn ACL in December (along with a lengthy medical history) leave his short- and long-term health in question. Dickerson could go late first round ... or tumble well into Day 2 if the medical reports come back ugly. Alabama RB Najee Harris was another player we thought long and hard about here.

ESPN - Kiper (4/13)

24. Najee Harris, RB, Alabama

The Steelers could go with an offensive lineman here, as center Maurkice Pouncey retired, tackle Matt Feiler left in free agency and free-agent tackle Alejandro Villanueva is still unsigned. But I'd love to see Harris in this offense to take the pressure off quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. He could grind down defenses as a runner and help in the short passing game. If Harris goes in Round 1, he'll be the fifth Alabama running back picked in the first round since 2000. The others: Josh Jacobs (2019), Trent Richardson (2012), Mark Ingram (2011) and Shaun Alexander (2000). Notably absent is Derrick Henry, who was a second-round pick in 2016 and somehow just had an underrated 2,000-yard campaign.

NFL.com - Schrager (4/8)

24. Landon Dickerson, IOL, Alabama

The ACL tear in the SEC Championship Game will scare off a lot of teams, but if Pittsburgh needs anything, it's a way to immediately address an ailing run game. Dickerson is supposed to be healthy by the start of the season. Will he be anything close to Maurkice Pouncey? Of course not ... yet.

Previous update: Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft Roundup 8.0

MORE TEAMS: All NFL Team Mock Draft Roundups

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