2019 NFL Mock Draft: Post-Super Bowl 53 edition
By Randy Gurzi
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Amani Oruwariye, CB, Penn State
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been drafting defense in the first round for nearly a decade. And they do it again here as they stay in-state to select cornerback Amani Oruwariye who excelled at Penn State. While Oruwariye is a big name, he had a rough time at the Senior Bowl which could leave a sour taste in the mouths of some.
However, he has time to make up for that showing with workouts and the Combine. And let’s not forget the tape he put out there, which has Joe Marino of The Draft Network convinced he can start early and develop into a game-changing cornerback.
"“Oruwariye’s size, length, strength and ball skills make him an ideal fit as an outside zone/press corner. Complementing his impressive stature is a trust for his technique and outstanding processing skills. Oruwariye has the traits needed to matchup with “X” receivers in man coverage, making him a scheme-versatile defender. Oruwariye has the upside to start early in his career on the boundary and emerge as a productive playmaker with his ability to make game-changing plays on the football.” — Joe Marino, The Draft Network"
Pittsburgh has decent corners now, but with Joe Haden nearing the end of the line, adding a young understudy makes a lot of sense. Oruwariye could develop into the type of shutdown corner this defense needs to take the next step as they rebuild their once-feared defense.