Steelers' post-combine 7-round mock draft has Pittsburgh trading up for a star WR in Round 1

With the NFL Combine now in the rear view, the Pittsburgh Steelers are putting their undivided attention to free agency.  But before the draft talk takes a pause for a week starting on the 11th of March, let’s take a look at who Pittsburgh should target in this years draft following the NFL Combine.  Who […]

Rob Gregson — NFL News Writer
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Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Rome Odunze (1) warms up before playing against the Michigan Wolverines in the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

With the NFL Combine now in the rear view, the Pittsburgh Steelers are putting their undivided attention to free agency. 

But before the draft talk takes a pause for a week starting on the 11th of March, let’s take a look at who Pittsburgh should target in this years draft following the NFL Combine. 

Who they take first is sure to turn heads:

Round 1: Washington WR Rome Odunze

Now how would the Steelers, who pick 20th overall have any shot at a projected top-10 pick that cemented himself among the elite in Indy? 

Good question. 
A trade of course. 

And before you think this is just some wild theory, we have reason to believe it could happen as the Steelers formally met with Odunze in Indianapolis, and were labeled as a potential picktrade up candidate for the elite WR. 

Not to mention, there is growing talk that Pro Bowl WR Diontae Johnson may be on his way out of Pittsburgh, leaving Odunze as a clone of George Pickens in terms of playstyle, but with even better routes. 

So look, it's been nearly twenty years since the Steelers drafted a WR in round one, but that worked out pretty well with Santonio Holmes.

Round 2: Michigan CB Mike Sainristill

I know the second round seems rich for a player that primarily plays nickel or slot CB, but the Steelers have always thrived when they had an aggressive nickel that can cover the slot yet blitz and hold up in run support. 

If that sounds a lot like former Steelers DB Mike Hilton, it should since that's who  Sainristil models his game after, making him an ideal selection in round two. 

Round 3: Boston College OL Christian Mahogany

Mahogany is an interesting offensive lineman given his size and projection, seeing as he hasn't played center, yet has the ideal build and athleticism to play there, as one source close to him told me. 

If Pittsburgh doesn't address center during free agency or in the first two rounds, Mahogany is a player to watch. 

Round 4A: Notre Dame CB Cam Hart

After taking a slot CB in round 2, I have the Steelers finding their outside answer opposite of Joey Porter Jr. with Cam Hart, who was amazingly fluid and impressively smooth in the movement drills in Indy despite his enlarged frame for a corner at 6'3 and over 200 pounds. 

Round 4B: Tommy Eichenberg

Eichenberg met with Pittsburgh at the combine and posted one of the best short times of any lb at 4.24 seconds, only .01 seconds behind his college teammate Steele Chambers for the best at the event. With proven pedigree and production, along with a need to add depth at inside linebacker, a Big-10 LB in the fourth round just screams Steelers. 

Round 6: Michigan EDGE Braiden McGregor

McGregor was unable to participate in the drills and athletic testing due to a sprained ankle he suffered at the Senior Bowl, but he's an ideal fit for the Steelers strong-side pass rusher in their scheme and has the background they covet in later-round picks. 

Round 7: Florida State DL Fabien Lovett

If Lovett gets anywhere close to the 238th overall pick, Pittsburgh has to sprint in the card to select him given his outstanding measurables and proven play at the power five level. 

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