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

When I first embarked on creating this mock draft, I didn’t anticipate waiting until the Steelers’ final pick to add a running back. I know it’s a significant concern between Le’Veon Bell’s uncertain contract situation and the lack of depth.

However, I think waiting would pay off if Pittsburgh managed to land a talent like Chase Edmonds towards the end of the draft. The Fordham product may not be the most tantalizing of prospects in the 2018 draft class, but there’s an argument to be made for him as a potentially productive part of an NFL ground game.

Here are the knocks on Edmonds: he’s short (5-9), lacks top-end speed (4.55 40-yard dash) and was a superstar against subpar competition. Now when I say superstar, I’m not exaggerating. Through his first three seasons at Fordham, he compiled 5,285 rushing yards and 62 touchdowns while averaging 6.6 yards per carry.

There’s a very good chance those numbers won’t translate at the next level. Edmonds will struggle to break away at the next level, and isn’t going to put up any 359-yard performances like he did against Lafayette in 2016 (see above video). However, the physical tools, vision and explosiveness are there for him to make his mark in the NFL.

Next: Grading every 2017 first-round pick after Year 1

With Fitzgerald Touissaint returning for one more year, it’ll give Edmonds an opportunity to learn the ropes. When he finally gets up to speed, the small-school product should be ready to step up as a potential contributor in Pittsburgh.