When it comes to the NFL’s 2021 draft, the choice of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round will be crucial to the future of the franchise. The Steelers have done well in recent years with guys like TJ Watt, Devin Bush and Bud Dupree. But choices like Terrell Edmunds and Artie Burns give Pittsburgh fans reason to wonder if this year’s choice will be a success or a failure.
Pittsburgh currently holds the 24th overall choice and, assuming there are no negotiations, here are the 10 most reasonable guys to consider when Steelers are on the clock. This is based on who were the top 10 players on the board when the Steelers set the clock in 25 one-round draft simulations. And sorry for Steelers fans, there is no Najee Harris here.
1-OT Christian Darrisaw | Virginia Tech
Lee Luther Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
With Alejandro Villanueva probably leaving in freedom of action and more doubts about the depth of the offensive tackle, adding a perspective of an elite left tackle like Darrisaw makes sense. Of all the tackles on this list, Darrisaw is the most ready to start the group.
2-LB Zaven Collins | Tulsa
Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Collins’ versatility and athleticism is what makes him an ideal choice for the first round. He can line up inside alongside Devin Bush in defense of the base, but go for a run or protect himself in subpackages.
3-EDGE Gregory Rousseau | Miami
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Alex Highsmith gave some hope that he could be a full-time starter alongside TJ Watt, but depth is a real problem. Rosseau is a polished guy with a huge explosion and can line up on both sides.
4-EDGE Jaelan Phillips | Miami
Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
While Rousseau is more polished, Phillips is more raw and unproven. But in the right scheme with proper training, it could have a higher ceiling like a pure pass purifier.
5-LB Nick Bolton | Missouri
Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Steelers can never have enough athletes in Defense. Bolton doesn’t offer Collins’ cutting edge skills, but in terms of a side-to-side guy, Bolton is the best in this class.
6-OT Jalen Mayfield | Michigan
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Mayfield is a step below Darrisaw, but he’s still an interesting guy, especially if the Steelers have a chance to let him work on the right tackle early in his career.
7-OT Teven Jenkins | Oklahoma State
Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Of all the attackers in this group, Jenkins is the most interesting to me. He’s a finisher who never throws away. He has an unpleasant mentality and plays with an advantage that the Steelers could really use.
8-QB Mac Jones | Alabama
Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
In all the simulations I did, Jones was available after the top four defenders left the board. He is a kind of backward player in a league that looks for more and more athletic quarterbacks. Jones will not be coveted. But he can play and is not as immobile as his critics believe.
9-WR Kadarius Toney | Florida
Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
The wide receiver is not one of Steelers’ main needs, but Toney would be a fascinating choice. His game is very similar to that of Diontae Johnson, making his choice unlikely, but it would be fun to see two guys so electric with the soccer ball in their hands on the field at the same time.
10-OT Liam Eichenberg
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
If you’re looking for the blue collar, kind of lunchbox to face the Steelers seem to gravitate towards, Eichenberg is your guy. He is not flashy and does not stand out in any area, but he is smart, technically solid and rarely makes mistakes.