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Pittsburgh Steelers: 7-Round 2019 NFL mock draft nets potential starters

By Randy Gurzi

SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 01: Devin Bush #10 of the Michigan Wolverines tackles Jafar Armstrong #8 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter at Notre Dame Stadium on September 1, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 01: Devin Bush #10 of the Michigan Wolverines tackles Jafar Armstrong #8 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter at Notre Dame Stadium on September 1, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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BLACKSBURG, VA – OCTOBER 6: Running back Dexter Williams #2 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish rushes against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the first half at Lane Stadium on October 6, 2018 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images)
BLACKSBURG, VA – OCTOBER 6: Running back Dexter Williams #2 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish rushes against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the first half at Lane Stadium on October 6, 2018 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) /

Round 4, Pick 122: Dexter Williams, RB, Notre Dame

Pittsburgh did finish the season fourth overall in yards with 403.3 yards per game, but they weren’t great in the running game as they had just 90.3 yards per contest — 31st in the league according to NFL.com. This isn’t indicative of what James Conner brought to the table, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t add more help at the position. With that in mind, they add Dexter Williams at No. 122.

After spending three seasons as a reserve, Williams became the workhorse for Notre Dame in 2018 and excelled in that role. He finished with 995 yards on the ground and 12 touchdowns — but was most impressive was his average of 6.3 yards per attempt.

Round 5, Pick 141 (via Raiders): Isaiah Buggs, DT, Alabama

The second pick from the Raiders in the AB trade lands the Steelers a stout defensive lineman from Alabama in Isaiah Buggs. Often overlooked with a defense that features many stars, Buggs had a highly productive senior season with the Crimson Tide. He wound up with 52 tackles but added an impressive 9.5 sacks on the season.

Buggs is more explosive than his 306-pound frame suggests and he’s lightning fast off the snap. He’s also got plenty of experience in one of the best defensive teams in the NCAA which will help his transition.

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