Pittsburgh Steelers: Final 7-round 2018 mock draft

Like a number of their other positions on that side of the ball, defensive tackle could use a boost in the depth department heading into 2018. The Steelers have outstanding starters along the defensive line, but need more talent serving in those rotational, backup roles.

Kahlil McKenzie offers plenty of intrigue here in the final round. Although far from a finished product, the theoretical upside that teams see in his size and bloodlines (son of Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie) will be enough to land him on a roster — or at least a practice squad — as a rookie.

What it comes down to is that McKenzie never really lived up to his potential at Tennessee. All of the physical tools were there, but he never quite figured out how to use them. Now he finds himself simply hoping to hear his name called during the 2018 NFL Draft.

Still, if someone can take his raw talent and turn it into production, the potential benefits are vast. He’s got the look of a dominant NFL defensive lineman who would work well as a defensive end in the Steelers’ 3-4 front. It’ll all come down to whether or not he can put the pieces together and convert potential into playmaking.

For now, McKenzie is nothing more than a project. That’s about what you’re expecting to find in the seventh round, though.