Pittsburgh Steelers: 7-Round 2018 mock draft after free agency

With inside linebacker now addressed, it’s time to turn our attention to the edge. The Steelers already have one young star at outside linebacker in T.J. Watt, but may soon need to find a capable replacement for Bud Dupree.

The 2015 first-round pick has struggled to live up to expectations in Pittsburgh. He flashes upside at times, but can’t stay healthy and doesn’t play consistent football when he is. The Steelers are still determining whether or not to exercise his fifth-year option, which shows just how unsure they are of his future.

Seeing as that’s the case, spending this pick on Kemoko Turay makes plenty of sense. The underrated edge rusher out of Rutgers has quietly gained the love of the draft community with his ridiculous burst off the snap and bend around the edge. He’s one of the fastest edge rushers in the 2018 draft class, as he routinely put on display during Senior Bowl practices.

Turay is a work in progress against the run, lacking the strength and power to consistently battle for positioning. However, stepping into an outside linebacker role in Pittsburgh’s 3-4 defense would give him the opportunity to use his length and explosiveness to pressure opposing passers off the edge. The ability to play the run will come with time and coaching.