Pittsburgh Steelers: 7-Round mock draft hits O-line, depth issues

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a title window still but need to utilize the 2021 NFL Draft to fill needs on the offensive line and throughout the depth chart. 

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been fascinating from the outside looking in leading up to the 2021 NFL Draft. After negotiating a new deal for Ben Roethlisberger that saw him take a significant pay cut, the Steelers still witnessed the departures of several key players, including star edge rusher Bud Dupree along with cornerbacks Mike Hilton and Steven Nelson.

With that taken into consideration, it will be interesting to see how the Steelers will address their to-do list when they are on the clock in the 2021 NFL Draft and how they plan to try and make what could be a final Super Bowl run with Big Ben at the helm.

Roughly 1.5 weeks out from the draft beginning on Thursday, April 29, this is the latest 7-round 2021 mock draft for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Pittsburgh Steelers 7-round 2021 mock draft less than two weeks out

Round 1, Pick 24: Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson

You can make the case that the Steelers have the worst running back room in the NFL. Benny Snell and Anthony McFarland had flashes in 2020 but they have shown nothing to prove they’re capable of being bell-cow backs.

Travis Etienne feels like a hand-in-glove fit with the Steelers offense. He has a lot of Alvin Karma in his game in terms of his ability to catch passes out of the backfield. On top of that, he’s quick and shifty and a nightmare for tacklers. The Steelers ranked dead last in the NFL in rushing for the 2020 season; Etienne will change that in a hurry.

Round 2, Pick 55: Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB, Syracuse

Ifeatu Melifonwu is the total package at cornerback. He’s got great length, he’s physical, and he can be used in a variety of ways. He could fill that nickel/slot corner role that was left vacant by Mike Hilton as he also possesses the backfield vision to make plays in the run game.

With the Steelers reportedly giving Cam Sutton a chance to earn the outside cornerback job opposite of Joe Haden, Melifonwu could be the go-to slot cornerback and make an immediate impact.

Round 3, Pick 87: Brady Christensen, OT, BYU

Pittsburgh has had some luck in the mid-to-late rounds when it comes to offensive linemen. Kevin Dotson had great production as a fourth-round pick in 2020 — and Brady Christensen could be the next in the line of offensive line steals.

Christensen has great size but there have been questions about his athleticism to stay on the left side at the next level. That isn’t to say he can’t improve and be a solid left tackle because he definitely can. With the Steelers in need of a tackle and offensive line depth, Christensen would be a solid addition in the third round.

Round 4, Pick 128: Drake Jackson, C, Kentucky

Going back-to-back offensive linemen may have some fans up in arm  but this would completely reload the Steelers offensive line for the next decade. Drake Jackson would fit well into the Steelers’ scheme, as many view him as being a good fit in offenses that are pass heavy. With Matt Canada as the new offensive coordinator, this fit seems more plausible.

Round 4, Pick 140: Shi Smith, WR, South Carolina

Insert quote about how great the Steelers are at drafting and developing receivers.

Now that that is out of the way, Shi Smith has all the tools to be another wide receiver steal for the Steelers. He isn’t afraid to make the short receptions over the middle from the slot, he has very good footwork that allows him to gain separation, and he has great hands. Smith would be a substantial addition to an already talented wide receiver room.

Round 6, Pick 216: Patrick Jones II, EDGE, Pittsburgh

The Steelers could use some depth on the defensive line. Losing Bud Dupree leaves an obvious hole and it will take multiple guys to fill it. People will point at the Steelers’ scheme and say Patrick Jones may not be the best fit, but look at how Cam Heyward and Stephon Tuitt have become more versatile on the defensive line. If Jones adds 10-15 pounds, he could play over the guard or on the outside in certain schemes.

Round 7, Pick 245: Tre’ McKitty, TE, Georgia

Tre’ McKitty would be the perfect complement to Eric Ebron. He is a good run blocker and has good hands. He may not be the downfield threat that Ebron is but he could give the Steelers more versatility at the tight end position.  McKitty would fill the void that Vance McDonald left and could be an underrated red zone threat as well.

Round 7, Pick 254: Darrick Forrest, S, Cincinnati

Darrick Forrest is an under-the-radar prospect who was constantly all over the field in college. In 2019, he had 106 tackles in 14 games along with three interceptions. He played just nine games in 2020 but still snagged two interceptions. He has a nose for the backfield as well, notching 4.5 tackles for loss over the last two seasons.

At the very least, Forrest could contribute to special teams and add safety depth. At most, he could be the starting alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick in a year.