Pittsburgh Steelers fill defensive holes in 7-round 2020 mock draft
Between Cameron Heyward and Stephon Tuitt on the defensive line has been 2016 third-round pick Javon Hargrave for the past few years. While he’s performed solidly, he’s not exactly been a game-changer and now he’s slated to hit free agency. And with the up-and-down play of Heyward and Tuitt in their careers, they need a force on the defensive line in the 2020 NFL Draft.
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Though he was inconsistent on film during his time at Texas A&M, Justin Madubuike is too enticing of a prospect for the Steelers to pass up, especially given the fact that the 6-3, 304-pounder can fill the hole potentially left by Hargrave. Madubuike could truthfully play anywhere on the defensive line but he can be a disruptive force at the nose tackle spot for Pittsburgh.
Madubuike’s ability to generate pressure on the interior is obvious. He’s explosive for a player his size and can blow through gaps when he’s lined up there. However, he also plays with tremendous pad level to generate leverage that allows him to dispose of his blocker and get into the backfield. Effort has been a concern that has resulted in the aforementioned inconsistency but his upside is tremendous.
Without a first-round pick, the Steelers absolutely have to hit on the No. 49 selection by getting a player who can immediately help out this team that almost made the playoffs despite horrendous quarterback play. Madubuike is the obvious selection in that regard with the way the board played out in this simulation as he can slot into Hargrave’s role immediately and move around on the line if necessary.