[jwplayer uipp5LSQ-ThvAeFxT]
Some of you might think it is too soon to start thinking about the Pittsburgh Steelers 2021 NFL draft. But for us, the draft is never too far away. Next year’s draft is going to be a huge part of the team’s future once free agency hits.
We continue to lobby for the Steelers to draft a quarterback in the first round in 2021 if one of the top prospects happens to slide. After running this simulation on The Draft Network, we felt confident this is a draft designed to keep the Steelers competitive.
First round-QB Trey Lance, North Dakota State
Second round-OL Daniel Faalele, Minnesota
Third round-WR Chatarius Atwell, Louisville
Fourth round-DE Kwity Payne, Michigan
Fifth round-RB Pooka Williams, Kansas
Sixth round-DT Mustafa Johnson, Colorado
Seventh round-IOL Marquise Hayes, Oklahoma
In this simulation, the Steelers had the No. 20 overall pick. If by some miracle Lance really lasted to 20, it would be a re-enactment of the draft in 2004 when the Steelers had Ben Roethlisberger fall into their laps. Lance is a future franchise quarterback and a year or two learning from Big Ben would be ideal.
We went offense heavy in this draft with a focus being on speed. Atwell and Williams are among the fastest guys in the entire 2021 draft class. They can both take a short play and turn it into a long touchdown on any given play. This sort of explosiveness has been missing from the Steelers offense and would be a great option for a young quarterback. Keep an eye on these two all season.
What do you think of this mock draft for the Steelers? Let us know in the comments.
[vertical-gallery id=470976]
[lawrence-related id=460028]