To make it easier on myself for deciding draft picks, i'll be doing a FanSpeak mock drafting using Matt millers board (updated as of 3/10). I did one 4-round draft with no undo's. I also attached links to each players draft profile at NFL.com.
I'd also like to preface that i am not a scout whatsoever. I don't watch film. I learn about these guys through reading various scouting reports written by guys I trust. Just a fan over here.
Also, as i'm writing this, Steve Mclendon & Kelvin Beachum are currently free agents.
Let's begin.
I know I know, "we need to take a cornerback here!!!" Here me out though. Currently Mclendon is a free agent and isn't guaranteed to return. Butler fills two needs. Not only can he play DT while in 3-4, we would be able to relieve Tuitt/Cam as DT while in nickel. A playmaking DT that can help our star DE's stay healthy sounds like a solid pick to me. Honestly too, how nasty does a d-line consisting of Tuitt/Butler/Heyward sound? Butler will help with the run D and pass rush, so i'd be fully onboard with taking him.
It's also worth noting that when I pick there were no cb's worth taking. Jackson III & Alexander were both gone.
Other players available:
Darian Thompson
Eli Apple
Leonard Floyd
This was a tough selection choosing between Bell & Jordan Jenkins. I ultimately chose based off of need. I think Bell is a great choice not just because of the Steelers/OSU connection, but because of his smart play-style. Bell is great in both areas where our last two safeties drafted lacked. He plays smart (see Shamarko Thomas) and he plays aggressive (see Gerod Holliman). He may not be a bone-crusher like Karl Joseph, but he excels in both coverage and run-support and would be a major asset for the secondary.
With Golden returning, The Steelers would't need to rush Bell onto the field either. They could easily implement a time share between the two with Bell likely getting more time as the season progresses.
other players available
Jordan Jenkins
Karl Joseph
Jalen Mills
This pick easily took the most time. They weren't any options I loved, but I feel Fackrell could fit this defense. With Jones & Harrison both likely gone, the Steelers definitely need edge help for the future. Similar to Dupree, we'll be drafting Fackrell more based on his athletic ability and potential. We could afford to let him sit for a year and learn, and he'll definitely need the time. Fackrell has the length, power, and athleticism to be a great player for us, he just needs time to put it all together. Don't sleep on his coverage skills too. His versatility will surely make Kieth Butler happy.
Other players available
Dak Prescott
Carl Nassib
Landon Turner
The position everybody wants. It is inevitable the a player like Jones will make fans unhappy because of his size. The Steelers don't care about cb size though, they want football players and athletes. Size shouldn't matter when a player has speed, instincts, toughness,fluidity, and ball skills.
Don't get me wrong, i'd be ecstatic if we came out of the draft with a player like Mackensie Alexander, William Jackson III, or Kendall Fuller. Jones just seems like the type of player the Steelers covet.
Other players available
Cyrus Jones
Maurice Canady
Final thoughts:
I'd be very happy with this draft. Butler & Bell could both be impact players during their first season. Fackrell & Jones are both developmental players who will contribute to special teams and give the team depth, and maybe get playing time if they prove themselves. This team honestly doesn't have many dire needs, so the Steelers will have a lot of flexibility going into the draft. Quality players at all four of these positions will be available throughout the draft so i'm confident the Steelers will fill some needs.
I'm sure my projections will change as free agency continues and we learn more about draft prospects. There are players like Karl Joseph & Justin Simmons who have draft grades currently ranging from 4th round to the 1st round. We still have a lot to learn, but for now this draft makes me happy.
Whether you love or hate my draft, share your thoughts! Thanks for reading guys.
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