Mock Draft: Steelers stay at 24, fill huge hole with first-round pick



[ad_1]

The 2021 NFL Draft is just over two months away, which means fake projects are heating up. NFL draftniks like Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay are hammering their keyboards with every fake drafts imaginable.

Can you blame them? NFL fans literally eat whatever they say.

Whether you agree or disagree with their picks for your favorite team, the fact remains that it’s great for discussion and debate. To me, simulated blanks are a lot like power rankings. These are someone’s personal thoughts on where your team stands / what they could do in the project.

That said, Mel Kiper just released his latest simulation project, and it included several huge deals along the way. Don’t worry, no trade has taken place with the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, it’s important to note some of the movement that took place on top of Kiper’s latest prediction:

1. Jacksonville Jaguars – QB Trevor Lawrence
2. Atlanta Falcons (trade with NY Jets) – QB Zach Wilson
3. Miami Dolphins (from HOU) – WR DaVonta Smith
4. New York Jets (trade with ATL) – TE Kyle Pitts
5. Cincinnati Bengals – OT Penei Sewell
6. Philadelphia Eagles – WR Ja’Marr Chase
7. San Francisco 49ers (trade with DET) – QB Justin Fields
8. Carolina Panthers – QB Mac Jones
9. New England Patriots (trade with DEN) – QB Trey Lance
10. Dallas Cowboys – CB Patrick Surtain II

You read that right, with the jobs that Kiper has FIVE quarterbacks being selected from the Top 10, with two teams, the 49ers and the Patriots, moving into the Top 10 to get their next caller.

So what about the Steelers? What did they end up doing?

Like I said earlier, Kiper is asking the Steelers to stay at Pick # 24, but the pick just screamed out the need for position, and not the best player available. Nonetheless, with several offensive tackles off the board but still plenty of defensive talent remaining, Kiper has the Steelers fill the gaping hole in the center with the Steelers taking Landon Dickerson with their first round selection.

See what he has to say about the pickaxe:

# 24 – Pittsburgh Steelers

Landon Dickerson, C, Alabama

The Steelers have major ceiling issues and a long list of free agents that includes edge hangman Bud Dupree, wide receiver JuJu-Smith Schuster and take on Alejandro Villanueva and Zach Banner, so their needs will be more. clear once we have passed free will. But a cross makes sense due to the retirement of Maurkice Pouncey – Dickerson could be an immediate replacement. I really like his game. The Florida state transfer injured his knee in the SEC title game and didn’t play in the college football playoffs, but Alabama coaches are delighted with him on and off the pitch. He may be the anchor the Steelers need.

The choice would fill the void left by Maurkice Pouncey’s retirement, but you’ll still have those wondering if the Steelers could have had a player like Dickerson, or similar to him, in the second or even third round.

To get to know Dickerson better, here is his NFL Draft Network draft profile:

Landon Dickerson is a well-traveled prospect who has played in Florida State (2016-2018) and Alabama (2019-2020). Playing all five positions up front, he gained experience in several places. Settling along the interior during the latter half of his career, he entered hers at Tuscaloosa. Dickerson is a rugged indoor ascender who has a well-developed understanding of how to use his frame. Extremely strong at the point of attack, he has above average hand power, body strength and awareness. Although an below average athlete, he wins with acceleration out of position by hanging on quickly and not allowing clashes to come off. At his best, when asked to stay in a controlled environment that hardly ever goes beyond B-gaps, he’s constantly looking for work on either side. Playing the whistle is constant, as it has the control to steer and direct targets to desired locations. Dickerson’s biggest concern is durability. His junior season in the red shirt (2019) is the only year he has been able to finish a healthy season from start to finish. He suffered a long list of injuries: tear in the right ACL (November 2016), ankle surgery (October 2017), ankle injury (2018), ligament injury in the left knee (December 2020).

Ideal role: Departure center or guard.

Schema adjustment: Man / Gap / Power diagram.

The biggest problem with Dickerson has to be its durability. If the Steelers are to play Dickerson with their top pick, they need to make sure he’s a player who can step in and play every game, with little time left. That’s not to say Dickerson’s injuries weren’t just accidental injuries, but certainly a red flag as the Steelers do their homework on that particular prospect.

What do you think of Dickerson’s prediction of wearing black and gold? Do you think he could be a pick that starts day one for the Steelers? Let us know in the comments section below and be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes regarding black and gold as they prepare for the league’s new year. , NFL Free Agency and the 2021 NFL Draft.

[ad_2]

Source link