If you check out any of the mock drafts floating around the internet, you will see the Pittsburgh Steelers selecting a quarterback in the first round in about 70% of them. And if they don't take one in the first round, they'll select one in the second round. It just feels like something that is going to happen, even with the Steelers signing Mitchell Trubisky.
Tuesday morning, ESPN Draft Expert Todd McShay released his latest mock draft, and first one since free agency kicked off. In his last edition, he had the Steelers staying put at #20 and still getting their next franchise quarterback. The pick? Malik Willis.
Now the mock draft he released this morning is a full two round mock draft instead of just the first round. It comes with an updated draft order that reflects the big trade between the New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles that happened 24 hours ago.
Most pundits are saying the Saints grabbed an extra first round pick so they can select a quarterback this year. McShay doesn't predict that to happen. He has the Saints selecting OT Trevor Penning, and DL Jordan Davis. Steelers fans are familiar with both of those names. Both of those players are likely high on their draft boards.
With the Steelers coming on the clock at #20, only one quarterback has been selected. That's Pitt's Kenny Pickett who goes #6 to Carolina.
20. Pittsburgh SteelersMalik Willis, QB, Liberty
All signs are pointing toward Pittsburgh drafting a quarterback, and in this scenario, it doesn't even have to move up to get one of the top two passers in the class. Willis is creative outside the pocket and has a rocket arm, and I actually have him ranked one spot ahead of Kenny Pickett at No. 21 on my board.
With Mitch Trubisky on a one-year deal, there's no rush for Willis to play right away, and coach Mike Tomlin could develop Willis before turning over the keys. The AFC North is stacked at QB, but Willis has the upside to get the Steelers right back in the mix.
Malik Willis drops back to pass under pressure while at Liberty University | Cat Crave
Everyone keeps saying that Willis won't be there at #20, but several of the big names believe he will be. Regardless, it's going to be interesting to see what unfolds with this quarterback class. There could be five quarterbacks taken in the first round, or two. It's going to be a wild day.
Pittsburgh still has a huge hole at safety. They are reportedly close to inking Minkah Fitzpatrick to a record deal, and are still alive in the Tyrann Mathieu race according to reports. But if the Mathieu signing doesn't come to fruition by the draft, then they could likely target a safety early. That's where McShay goes with the Steelers second round pick.
Steelers Round 2 Pick
52. Pittsburgh SteelersJaquan Brisker, S, Penn State
Terrell Edmunds could still re-sign in Pittsburgh, but even if he does, Minkah Fitzpatrick is entering the final year of his deal. The Steelers could use a talented safety on a cheap contract to protect against losing either or both of them. Brisker is at his best working near the line of scrimmage thanks to above-average tackling skills and great instincts.
PSU Safety Jaquan Brisker makes the tackle against OSU | USA Today
Brisker won't have to travel far from State College to Pittsburgh. Brisker is considered to be a 'do all' safety, and comes with good size at 6'1". He ran a 4.4 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com had this to say about Brisker.
“Athletic safety prospect whose versatility and toughness will endear him to coaches during the evaluation process. Brisker continued to pick up elements of the defensive scheme and his play has steadily transformed from hesitant in 2019 to downright instinctive in 2021.
He has the versatility to become a moving chess piece in a variety of coverages and has the size and talent to match up with both “Y” and “F” tight ends. He played with a banged-up shoulder in 2021, so his 2020 tape is a clearer indicator of his run support acumen. Brisker is an ascending talent with the NFL traits to become a long-time starter as a Day 2 draft pick.
How do you feel about this mock draft, SteelerNation? Let us know in the comments below!
