Steelers find franchise cornerstone in media insider's latest mock draft
The Steelers are only eight days away from the start of the NFL Draft, and even after yesterday's big news, they still have the same amount of picks including the most important one, number 17 of the first round. So with mock drafts flying left and right from analysts, we received a peek behind the […]
The Steelers are only eight days away from the start of the NFL Draft, and even after yesterday's big news, they still have the same amount of picks including the most important one, number 17 of the first round.
So with mock drafts flying left and right from analysts, we received a peek behind the curtain when it comes to one of the most accurate mock drafters in the game, as his mock draft 1.0 is finally out.
Peter Schrager of NFL Media has released his first mock draft of the pre-draft cycle, which, unlike others, is based solely on what he's hearing. Well, if what he's hearing at 17 is in fact true, Steelers fans will be jumping for joy.
Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
Watching the above clip should make all Steelers fans gasp. Johnson's movement skills at over 6'6'' and nearly 315 pounds are jaw-dropping. So smooth yet fast in a quick slide, Johnson will have offensive line coaches clamoring for him.
And many in the media and scouting world have Johnson as the best tackle on their board, with the consensus board confirming this thanks to his 10th overall ranking as we stand a little over a week away from the draft.
So in my opinion, this would in fact be a steal, and a no-brainer, if Johnson was still on the board, come 17. And while tackle is one of the five critical positions in the league, former GM Michael Lombardi believes this class doesn't have an elite, All-Pro caliber tackle, at least not yet.
Lombardi said the following when talking about this year's class:
"Well, there's no Anthony Munoz (Hall of Fame offensive tackle) in this draft. I think there are good players, but it's mostly an 11-20 range kind of draft, compared to a top 10 one."
So if the league views the class similarly to Lombardi, perhaps Johnson at 17 isn't so much of a stretch after all. I also believe selecting a tackle in the first round is the more pertinent choice, given the steep drop-off compared to the cornerback position that Pittsburgh will also have to address.
When explaining his reasoning behind the choice, Schrager said the following:
"The Steelers like plucking prospects from Ohio State. Johnson is a versatile pass protector who can play right away and shouldn't escape the top 20."
Now it should be noted that Schrager had two linemen going before Johnson, including Georgia tackle Broderick Jones at 13, and guard/tackle hybrid Peter Skoronski at seven.
Either way, if Pittsburgh were to walk away with any of the three aforementioned names, staying put to do so, then night one will be like acing a midterm, with the final grade to come when the entire class is on the field.
