After the college football season finished, many will focus on the coming NFL Draft. Prospects have countless chances in front of them to improve their draft stock moving forward. Gaining traction at the East-West Shrine or Senior Bowls form a clear path. They can also make some noise at the NFL combine or their pro-day workouts.
Gaining traction in the draft is one thing, but what matters is when you get a shot in the NFL. Pittsburgh counts on their draft classes to boost their roster annually. Many mock drafts have brought mixed results during the infancy phase of the offseason. The Steelers have plenty of holes on the roster heading into free agency and the draft.
Matthew Golden
Wide receiver
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Steelers mock draft round 1: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Don’t be shocked if the Steelers have plenty of defensive prospects available here. They steer away from their prior mistakes and go with a top receiver in Round 1. Matthew Golden is a quality receiver who should experience a boost in his draft stock as the process evolves. He has been a prospect constantly on the rise throughout his college career.
Golden began his college stint in Houston, where he didn’t produce enough. His move to Texas this past campaign paid off for him. The Junior produced his best numbers in a season that saw him tally 987 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. He also provides a burst of speed and size that the Steelers desperately need on their offense.
Picking a receiver early in the draft will be the best outcome since the position is weak this year.
Kaleb Johnson
Running back
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Steelers mock draft round 2: Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa
Nearly all signs point to Najee Harris leaving the team once free agency begins. It would be wise for the Steelers to double-dip at the position. They should be willing to add a cheaper free agent who is proven and a young running back in the draft. Going this route would remove pressure off of taking a back in Round 1 if the need becomes too much to bear.
The good news is the running back position is deep with talent in this class. Pittsburgh could get a quality player in the middle rounds if needed. They go with Kaleb Johnson here since he provides one of the better all-around options in this draft. He has bursts of speed, can play physically, and has proven that he can throw some blocks and catch the ball. Pittsburgh would love to get Johnson.
Will Howard
Quarterback
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Steelers mock draft round 3: Will Howard, QB, Ohio State
Everyone wants to know if it will be Russell Wilson or Justin Fields will be the starting quarterback next season. Those who are wondering should hold their horses. Fields seem likely to become the starter but don’t be shocked if the Steelers take a quarterback early in the draft. Concerns should be flying in Pittsburgh as this crop is much weaker than in past years.
Will Howard has become an intriguing prospect since his National Championship triumph with the Ohio State Buckeyes. He had plenty of talent around him, yet his leadership and moxy in big moments will be his most impressive traits. Howard has proven the ability to make all the throws downfield while his legs remain a weapon. He is a winner and a wise choice as a fallback option.
