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Narrowing Down The Steelers 1st Round Draft Pick

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There’s still a couple of weeks to go before the NFL Draft, with the huge night getting underway on April 29th, 2021. The Pittsburgh Steelers will be hoping to solidify at least one major need in the early rounds.

Last year, the Steelers acquired safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick from the Miami Dolphins, giving away their first round pick in the process. The year before, they traded up to bring in linebacker, Devin Bush. Fans are already looking forward and assessing the options ahead of the draft this year, but which player could the Steelers pick in the opening round to see them emerge as a prominent rookie in 2021? Check out some of these betting odds happening in Pennsylvania. Here’s what we’re thinking:



Najee Harris​


Najee Harris has been rumored to be headed to Pittsburgh for quite some time now. The Alabama senior rushed for 1,466 yards this past season and scored 26 touchdowns. This was easily his most productive season to date. He is a player that has progressed with every season, and could be a shrewd move if taken by the Steelers in the draft.






Landon Dickerson​


The Steelers will need to replace the recently retired Maurkice Pouncey at some point, and that could lead to them opting to draft Landon Dickerson from Alabama. Dickerson could be one of the players to attract the most attention at the draft, as his intelligence is a factor that all teams will be taking into account. Adding to that, his size and natural talent could be a solid pick for the Steelers.

With that said, question marks still come with Dickerson. Many franchises will be weighing up the pros and cons of the potential move, as he picked up two serious injuries while at the college level. But, his leadership and skill set could mean that some may be forced to overlook that.



Teven Jenkins​


Jenkins has been at Oklahoma State for the past three years, and has received honorable mentions from all Big 12 coaches on two previous occasions. He was named as the winner of the OSU Thurman Thomas Award for Outstanding Offensive Player in 2019, and he could be the answer to the tackle position the Steelers desperately need.



Who do yinz think the Steelers will end up taking? Leave a comment below!

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Recommendation to Steelers: Don't get "locked in" on three guys. I think Harris and Jenkins are good enough that both could wind up gone before pick 24, so you are locked in to one and only one guy - Dickerson.

Look, I think Dickerson is great. His attitude, demeanor, skill level, punch, everything. But four significant injuries in five years are an issue. Also, if the team has Dickerson available along with Etienne, Humphrey, Cosmi, etc., then pick the best of the bunch. Dickerson's injury history is a legitimate cause for concern.
 
All 3 options are terrific immediate upgrades. But we can't have our cake and eat it too...

So what does that mean? Do I give up a future all-world running back to get the next HOF center or OT???

Glad I'm not Mr. Colbert...
 
I could debate Harris is the only true option out of the three. You have a medical risk up against a right tackle. I could care less about Dickerson's talent level which sure is round 1, but he has a free agent injury history. A pick like this in round 1 would scream despiration. I would even make a case for not selecting him in 2. In a draft that the Steelers will need not 1, not 2, not 3, but 4 starters it is too high of a risk to select one who has a good chance of spending equal time in a hot tub. A selection like this could find BigBen joining him by seasons end. Yeah no thank you. Jenkins would arguably upgrade right tackle. The problem with that is the Steelers need a left tackle upgrade. Ask yourself what is the biggest need upgrading Chukes at LT or Banner at RT? Some fans don't want to draft a QB because Ben is still on the team. I don't want to draft a RT because I have no desire to play my three sons at the position. Not to mention we could make a case for a sliding pass rusher, sliding corner, **** a sliding BPA in general. I am thinking the Steelers aren't square pegging themselves with the three options. Sure Harris might be on their value board and a selection I could live with. But there is an equal chance better value will be sitting there at 24 not named Harris,Jenkins, or Dickerson.
 
theyre content to let villanueva walk. Chuks and banner cant play LT. Nope. IMO they are going to draft a LT first round. One that is NFL ready this year. IDK who that is, but imo RB in 1st is stupid. Center is the next option. I think they go LT, RB, C . in 1,2,3.
 
Jenkins seems the logical pick maybe kid from usc.. both can play left tackle but Can’t help but wonder if they don’t think their line problem isn’t that bad has been make out, they have two mountain sized guys waiting to prove themselves. I think it’s a corner or an edge player.. if the monster from penn state drops they gota go up and get him.. ya? just saying .. hey we can dreammm... cant we?
 
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if harris, Jenkins Ettinie gone take Cosemi, then in trade up in round 2 to get Williams and at 3 A take Dickerson or Myers
 
slashsteel said:
I could debate Harris is the only true option out of the three. You have a medical risk up against a right tackle. I could care less about Dickerson's talent level which sure is round 1, but he has a free agent injury history. A pick like this in round 1 would scream despiration. I would even make a case for not selecting him in 2. In a draft that the Steelers will need not 1, not 2, not 3, but 4 starters it is too high of a risk to select one who has a good chance of spending equal time in a hot tub. A selection like this could find BigBen joining him by seasons end. Yeah no thank you. Jenkins would arguably upgrade right tackle. The problem with that is the Steelers need a left tackle upgrade. Ask yourself what is the biggest need upgrading Chukes at LT or Banner at RT? Some fans don't want to draft a QB because Ben is still on the team. I don't want to draft a RT because I have no desire to play my three sons at the position. Not to mention we could make a case for a sliding pass rusher, sliding corner, **** a sliding BPA in general. I am thinking the Steelers aren't square pegging themselves with the three options. Sure Harris might be on their value board and a selection I could live with. But there is an equal chance better value will be sitting there at 24 not named Harris,Jenkins, or Dickerson.
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I agree totally, I keep seeing Jenkins going to Pittsburgh but everything I read claims he's a right tackle and may not fare well at left. Your Dickerson's assessment valid, the only thing I would disagree with is I'd be more than OK foe a round 2 selection. Same with Harris, I like him but if someone like a CB or inside/outside LB is there defensively who by wierd circumstances and idiotic drafting (which will always occur in round one) falls that should have been grabbed 5 to ten picks earlier, go for it.

I really think they are going to take Harris though unless Darishaw falls, then move up in the second to get the OL or RB
 
I have said I'm against a RB in round 1 and i stand by that but if they draft a guy who blew out his ACL twice in the first round, i'm going to lose it. He's a great player but how can it even be discussed drafting a guy with 4 season ending injuries in the 1st?

Center is a position the steelers covet. They draft a great one and keep him, Webster, Dawson, Pouncey. I just can't see drafting a guy who might have a short career, not at the Center position. And it's not like there are no other options in the draft.

Here are the guys i see as possibilities, in no order

Harris/Etienne - i'm, still against RB in the first but i admit the steelers may go that way. Do they want the power back or the speed back? If forced to pick, i'd go with Harris because i do like McFarland and think he can make a good duo with Harris.

Alijah Vera-Tucker - I think he's the best G/C prospect in this draft. If he's there, he should be the pick

Darrisaw or Jenkins OT. Assuming Sewell and Slater are off the board, Darrisaw and Jenkins are the guys i like in the 1st. Mayfield wouldn't be a terrible pick but those short arms 32 5/8 might mean he has to play G. I would pass on Mayfield in Rd 1.

Oweh OLB Penn state / Ojulari OLB Georgia . Pass rush is a big need and this draft is very thin there. They have nothing after Watt and Highsmith. A 3rd OLB is not a backup since he will play significant snaps. Highsmith has shown to be a decent player but he may not be a stud. If they can grab a potential stud like Oweh of Ojulari, then i think they do it. You can't have enough pass rush.

Micah Parsons ILB Penn State - he's the best player in the draft. In the 3-4 he could play inside or outside. He can rush the passer or drop in coverage. He's big and physical and would make Bush a better player. He would help keep Bush clean to run and chase. Parsons would make this defense scary. I doubt he will be available though.

Greg Newsome CB Northwestern. Assuming Surtain is long gone. They need a young CB especially if they were counting on Justin Layne who may have legal issues.

Rashod Bateman WR Minnesota / Rondale Moore WR Purdue - not a huge need but if most of the above guys are gone, either of them could be immediate impact players. Bateman is similar to JuJu and would likely replace him next year and be an upgrade to Washington this year. Rondale Moore is a gamebreaker on underneath routes. Canada's offense can actually take advantage of a guy like that.

Justin Fields / Trey Lance - If one of them falls, you have to consider it. Both have elite skills and how often do you get a chance to draft a possible franchise QB late in Rd 1? I would not take Mac Jones ion the 1st. He can be good on the right team but he's not an elite talent. The 49ers may take him at 3 because they are looking to win now and Jones is probably most ready to play immediately. He is a good fit in the Shanahan scheme.

Owusu-Koramoah LB Notre Dame - I would not draft him in the 1st. I think he will be a good player in the right situation but the steelers are not the right situation. He's undersized and so is Bush. I would not want 2 small guys inside. But the main reason is Tomlin/Butler or whoever is really calling the shots on defense. For JOK to be an impact player, he needs to be used creatively. Anybody have any faith that the steeler coaches are those schematic geniuses? Me neither.

If i had to rank them

Trey Lance
Justin Fields
Parsons
Darrisaw
Vera-Tucker
Oweh - just too much upside to pass up. He's still raw but unlike many young pass rushers, he's good vs the run
Ojulari
Greg Newsome
Jenkins
Bateman
Moore
Harris
Etienne
 
I like Micah Parsons Penn State I grew up following Pitt and Penn State just like the Steelers and I think Micah is the best player coming out of Pennsylvania since Tony Dorset. we pass on home grown players all the time. I think this time we stay home for this pick. id trade up to Carolina at 8 and get him and wouldn't think twice about it. in the 3rd round id draft Stevenson RB Oklahoma Sooners. hell do it for no other reason than to see Parsons and Stevenson square off in okee drills in summer camp. I think those two would give us solid base for future and ben another shot at a ring. this is ben's last year, so say next season is our tank year, both these players with be good bridge players, along with bush, watt, claypool, fritz, big dot, getting us on to the next generation. I know this won't happen but id be pretty sweet to see a homey stay home for a change lol
 
stuntmanmike said:
I like Micah Parsons Penn State I grew up following Pitt and Penn State just like the Steelers and I think Micah is the best player coming out of Pennsylvania since Tony Dorset. we pass on home grown players all the time. I think this time we stay home for this pick. id trade up to Carolina at 8 and get him and wouldn't think twice about it. in the 3rd round id draft Stevenson RB Oklahoma Sooners. hell do it for no other reason than to see Parsons and Stevenson square off in okee drills in summer camp. I think those two would give us solid base for future and ben another shot at a ring. this is ben's last year, so say next season is our tank year, both these players with be good bridge players, along with bush, watt, claypool, fritz, big dot, getting us on to the next generation. I know this won't happen but id be pretty sweet to see a homey stay home for a change lol
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Too many needs to be trading that far up for a LBer. If a trade up like that occurred I would prefer a QB.
 
Tape, that’s a good list. I think I’d include Leatherwood and Humphrey as well.
 
slashsteel said:
Too many needs to be trading that far up for a LBer. If a trade up like that occurred I would prefer a QB.
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Parsons is 6-3 250 4.3 best interior blitzer I’ve ever seen. Him lined up between bush and watt and behind Heyward is not just drafting another linebacker. it leverages the investment you have in those players creates and incredible mismatch. This draft won’t fill any of those needs your talking about, not unless we get lucky like we did with Canadian bacon. But how much was that him how much was it Ben? drafting where we are its a crap shoot and if the notion is to give one last shot to Ben, itd be Nice to do that... there‘s no qb outside of Lawrence I’d trade up in this draft. every year we hear the taking heads going on about the Darolds, mariota’s then sweep them under the carpet and move on.. as to qbs though I’m kinda with JoeNamath on this years... the Alabama qb is going to be better than many think he reminds me a little bit of TB. He throws with a **** load of spin on the ball so he can drop balls into receivers all over the field, if they get open he can get them the ball. He’s pretty smart too unlike TB lol be interesting if he drops.... go Steelers!
 
Of all the QBs i'd say Mac Jones has the least chance of being a bust. That's because I think at worst he'll be Andy Dalton, but he may also be at best Andy Dalton.

If i'm drafting a 1st round QB, i'm going to shoot for the stars. We saw the Bears go with the "safe" Trubisky over the upside of Mahomes. Even the safe picks don't make it so swing big. The other part is the rookie cap. Years ago, if you missed on a 1st round QB, it set your franchise back 5 years because of all the money you had to pay him. Now you can move on in a year like the Cards did with Rosen to Murray.
 
stuntmanmike said:
Parsons is 6-3 250 4.3 best interior blitzer I’ve ever seen. Him lined up between bush and watt and behind Heyward is not just drafting another linebacker. it leverages the investment you have in those players creates and incredible mismatch. This draft won’t fill any of those needs your talking about, not unless we get lucky like we did with Canadian bacon. But how much was that him how much was it Ben? drafting where we are its a crap shoot and if the notion is to give one last shot to Ben, itd be Nice to do that... there‘s no qb outside of Lawrence I’d trade up in this draft. every year we hear the taking heads going on about the Darolds, mariota’s then sweep them under the carpet and move on.. as to qbs though I’m kinda with JoeNamath on this years... the Alabama qb is going to be better than many think he reminds me a little bit of TB. He throws with a **** load of spin on the ball so he can drop balls into receivers all over the field, if they get open he can get them the ball. He’s pretty smart too unlike TB lol be interesting if he drops.... go Steelers!
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If Parsons falls to 24, I'm not sure there's going to be a better player on the board. You cannot pass up a top-5 talent in the draft that late in the first round.
 
My spidey senses are telling me the 1st pick will be Creed Humphrey C Oklahoma they’ll draft him and he’ll start from day one... center position is special in Pittsburgh and creed fits the bill perfectly... he’ll fit between Big Dot and DeCastro like a finger in... your ear. Id go through the door with an interior line of Dotson Humphrey and DeCastro any day.. go Steelers!!!
 
stuntmanmike said:
My spidey senses are telling me the 1st pick will be Creed Humphrey C Oklahoma they’ll draft him and he’ll start from day one... center position is special in Pittsburgh and creed fits the bill perfectly... he’ll fit between Big Dot and DeCastro like a finger in... your ear. Id go through the door with an interior line of Dotson Humphrey and DeCastro any day.. go Steelers!!!
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Bermuda likes Creed a lot - I'd still get my franchise RB at 1.24 and find a way to trade up for Creed in the top of the second round...
 
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