There have been many first-round mocks with the Steelers taking an edge rusher in the first round of the NFL draft. If the Steelers do indeed draft a first-round edge rusher I think Yinz might lose it. There is no question the Steelers need to fix the offensive line and running back positions in the 2021 NFL draft. Not sure why many draft analysts feel the Steelers will draft an EDGE in the early rounds of the NFL draft? I would even take an inside linebacker in the first round before taking an EDGE.
The Steelers have TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith going into the 2021 season, but they do not have anyone else who can give them a breather. That is why I think the Steelers should take an EDGE in the 2021 NFL draft, but it can't be in the first two rounds. It would make sense to draft a good EDGE rusher, but not one who can start over Watt or Highsmith. In the first two rounds of the NFL draft, the Steelers need to select either an offensive lineman or a running back.
With that being said Bleacher Report has released their most recent mock draft in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft. They feel the Steelers will select Miami's EDGE Gregory Rousseau in the first round of the NFL draft. After missing out on some solid offensive lineman early on in the NFL draft Bleacher Report feels the Steelers should take a flier on a top pass rusher in the 2021 draft. In 2019 Rousseau put up 34 solo tackles, 20 assists, and 15.5 sacks. That is pretty impressive, but he decided to opt-out of his 2020 season.
Bleacher Report feels it will take some time for Gregory to accumulate himself into the Steelers defensive line, but he would be a good compliment to TJ Watt. They do acknowledge the Steelers have both Watt and Highsmith going into 2021 so the Steelers will have time to get Rosuesseu accustomed to their process on the defense.
The problem is the Steelers do not have time to work on projects going into the 2021 season. They need to draft players who can come in and play right away because time is ticking in regards to Ben Roethlisberger. They have made it clear the organization is not going to rebuild, but rather retool this season so it wouldn't make sense to draft a top EDGE prospect during the NFL draft as they have Watt and Highsmith.
Comments