Williams is a really fluid wide receiver that can bridge the gap from Michael Thomas to the future. New Orleans has to find a long-term option at quarterback next.
Ridder is another four year starter who has shown consistency and improvement during his college tenure. Currently, Ridder has his Cincinnati Bearcats vying for a shot at the National Title showcasing an undefeated season (11-0). Ridder is an ascending talent with dual-threat ability who seems to elevate his play against top competition. If Ridder falls to the Saints, creative head coach, Sean Payton might want to take a chance on a winning quarterback who avoids mistakes in crucial moments of games.
Ekwonu has been used at both tackle and guard for the Wolfpack. He is a solid pass blocker, but really shines in the run game, winning at the point of attack and getting to the second level with ease.
If you've watched any Kentucky games this year, you know this guy is a bonafide playmaker. Sean Payton has proven time and time again that he knows exactly what to do with versatile offensive weapons like Wan'Dale Robinson. This guy combined with Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill will give opposing defensive coordinators nightmares.
If Strong just had a little bit of mobility, folks would be hyping up the Nevada passer as the next big thing. Unfortunately, his lack of mobility is a major concern when projecting him in the NFL. He has zero explosive runs of 10-plus yards in 2021, and his below-average mobility hurts him under pressure. Strong has no ability to maneuver or escape muddy pockets and often will force bad throws when pressured, which is why he has a 43.6 passing grade under pressure in 2021. However, his rocket-launcher arm -- paired with an ultra-quick release and pinpoint accuracy -- makes him worth a first-round flier. From a clean pocket, Strong has earned a 92.5 passing grade with 27 big-time throws to seven turnover-worthy plays.
With Jameis Winston tearing his ACL in Week 8, quarterback could be an option, but the absence of Michael Thomas has brought the team's lack of talent at wide receiver to the forefront. A strong argument can be made that Dotson has the best hands and widest catch radius -- even though he's only 5-foot-11 -- of any receiver in this class. His route running and strong hands would be a welcomed addition in Sean Payton's offense. He has caught 80 passes for 993 yards and nine touchdowns this season.
Pittsburgh invested in the running back position before the offensive line. They have had elite linemen like David DeCastro, Maurkice Pouncey and Alejandro Villaneuva in the past. It would benefit them to get back to that point.
Pickett wins with ball placement and a decent anticipatory feel for when his receivers will get open. He has decent mobility and usually does a credible job running for positive yards when the pocket breaks down. A four year starter in college, Pickett improved and developed into a solid NFL prospect. His 6:1 touchdown to interception ratio ( 36/6) peaked enough interest from scouts for him to be considered a possible franchise quarterback. The Steelers are looking for an "heir apparent" at quarterback, to supplant the aging, future Hall of Famer, Ben Roethlisberger. If Pickett is available he'd make an interesting selection.
The search for Pittsburgh's heir apparent to Big Ben is long overdue. They could trade up to go after one of the big three, but for our purposes they stay put and grab Strong, who is carving up defenses in the Mountain West Conference to the tune of 350 passing yards and three TD per game.
The Ben Roethlisberger era is over, but the Pittsburgh Steelers have offensive pieces in place with good WRs and a dynamic RB. This will make the transition from Roethlisberger to a rookie QB a little bit smoother. With this pick, they select the hometown kid Kenny Pickett. Pickett started the year off as an unknown to the casual college football fan but has put together a great resume this year. He has the best arm of all the quarterbacks in this draft and has made good decisions with the football all season long.
Cross is one of the most improved players in college football. After allowing 44 pressures in the Bulldogs' Air Raid offense in 2020 -- his first year starting at the Power Five level -- he has given up just 14 in 2021. The 2019 five-star recruit has earned a grade above 85.0 as a run- and pass-blocker this year and even kept a perfectly clean slate in pass protection against Alabama.
This Steelers pick will likely be a common landing spot for quarterbacks in other mock drafts, but I believe the team will look to acquire a veteran instead of a rookie. From the exchange of sideline smirks between Mike Tomlin and Aaron Rodgers, reports of not wanting to start over with a rookie and a roster that is built to contend for a playoff spot, Pittsburgh could instead go after Rodgers, Russell Wilson or an alternate option if Ben Roethlisberger retires. And with expected holes along the interior offensive line in 2022, Green could be a strong option. He has been a stalwart for the Aggies this season, playing more than 85 snaps apiece at left tackle, left guard, right guard and right tackle.
