NFL Draft day is closing in, which is basically my Christmas!! I get everything ready in advance, make sure all the food is in the house for the weekend and prepare to enjoy four days of nothing but football and analysis of the draft.
Along with my brother Joe, we have worked on the AFC North draft analysis for the OurLads draft magazine for a number of years now. The cool part, which is included in the picture below, is the Steelers organization at the draft actually uses the draft magazine which is in his hands.
We have actually been correct with a number of draft choices, including Jarvis Jones and David Decastro, among others picks throughout the seven rounds. My choice last year was Mosley but the Steelers took Shazier, which we will need time to see him play healthy before really rating him as a player.
On to this year's draft. The Steelers have a number of needs with legends retiring and players leaving via free agency. The main needs are Cornerback(several actually), Linebacker(preferably outside), Safety with future Hall of Famer Troy Polamalu retiring and Depth at Tight end as Heath Miller adds another year to his stellar career.
I wanted to throw some names out there as possible 1st round picks for the Steelers, who have multiple needs and filling anyone of them will help tremendously.
The Steelers could take a cornerback first, someone like Trae Waynes or Marcus Peters if one drops to them, but with a deep corner draft, they may choose to fill the linebacker or safety need in round one. The only safety worth drafting in round one is Landon Collins. He may fall, but it is a long shot. The Steelers did trade up with the Chiefs years ago to secure Polamalu in the first round and we all see how that turned out.
The Steelers could go for the outside linebacker, as they are thin at the position and James Harrison is finishing up his huge career soon. Shane Ray out of Missouri would be big, but i don't think he will fall that far. A solid option and a good chance of being there is Bud Dupree out of Kentucky. He would add instant pressure on the quarterback, helping the Steelers secondary in the process.
Well, the countdown is running and Christmas Day is almost here for me. I hope you all enjoy Draft time and Go Steelers!!!!
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