Steelers 7 Round Mock

I can only plug this site so many times in a day, but I LOVE http://www.fanspeak.com. This site, along with http://www.first-pick.com have pretty much set up my mock draft situations for about 4 years now, so if you need to kill some time I would HIGHLY recommend playing along.

For this mock I went with Fanspeak, simply because the settings are a bit more customizable. If you want to compete head to head, here are my settings :

Team – Steelers

Rounds – 7

Big Board – CBS Sports Composite

Team Needs – Fanspeak

Difficulty – Difficult

I don’t absolutely agree with the set team needs that Fanspeak has for the Steelers, but they are areas of need that should get some emphasis. Quarterback, Edge, WR, D-Line, Tight End, Safety…yes, they are all areas of need, but that O-Line needs some TLC and if the right guys there I’ll jump. I tried to select the guys who I do believe the Steelers would actually select with each pick, whatever that means.

Round 2 Pick 17 – 49th Overall Selection

Netane Muti, Guard, Fresno St.

I have seen a couple mock drafts where Muti is there in the third round, but he’s currently set on this big board as the 62nd player, making him a non-factor at any of my picks after this. Ramon Foster has recently retired and although we have quality depth on the line, Muti is an instant plug in starter. The 6′ 3″ 315 pound guard is a beast, putting up 44 reps at the combine. He does have a bit of an injury history, but in the season he was healthy at Fresno St. he proved enough for me to love him. I would have selected Julian Okwara here from Notre Dame if he weren’t selected the pick before, and although I do love Swift and Eason I just don’t see the Steelers going QB or RB that high.

Round 3 Pick 38 – 102nd Overall Selection

Davon Hamilton, DT, Ohio State

This pick was tough, but it mainly came down to a combination of talent and need for me. I know Hamilton isn’t a direct add to the nose tackle, but the departure of Javon Hargrave has me worried about the impact of our defensive line. Greg calls me a creature of need in my mocks, but when a guy has 31.8% of his career takles for a loss, I think he’ll be a good fit. If not? well just merp.

Round 4 Pick 18 — 124th Selection Overall

Cesar Ruiz, C, Michigan

I really, really, really want to believe that if these are the options available for the Steelers they WOULD select Jalen Hurts, but I just really think the franchise loves Mason (idk why). Tomlin loves his Michigan guys, and there’s no reason that Ruiz should be here in the 4th round as the 67th player on the big board. Ruiz was the top center prospect in the country when he signed with Michigan and had an impressive combine putting up a 113 inch broad jump. I would have LOVED to take Zack Moss or Halen Hurts here, but I really think that Pouncey is tied to Big Ben and when he leaves we’ll need someone for that center position. In the mean time, Ruiz can play the guard position when needed.

Round 4 Pick 29 – Selection Overall 135

Zack Moss, RB, Utah

Well well well…look who fell right into my lap. The Steelers have an identity crisis at running back, showing last season that they have three guys in Conner, Samuels and Snell that all have positives, not none of them showed to be the guy. I like our backs, I really do but I don’t see the Steelers resigning James Conner for much if anything after this season. Zack Moss rushed 235 times for 1,416 yards and 15 touchdowns, adding in 28 receptions for 388 yards and two touchdowns in the air. There are some fumbling issues that come with Moss, but that just means he’ll fit right in with our current core.

Round 6 Pick 19 – Selection Overall 198

Trevis Gipson, EDGE, Tulsa

A potential diamon in the rough, Gipson is not a guy who can walk into the Steelers locker room and instantly contribute. Although I know we have some depth at the position with Ola and Skipper, I don’t truely forsee the Steelers being able to bring back Bud Dupree after this next season. Gipson has a very large frame and “one of the largest lateral slides you’ll ever see”. If we can turn this raw talent into half the player he could become, this pick would be a steal.

Round 7 Pick 18 – Selection Overall 232

Aaron Parker, WR, Rhode Island

Had to get a receiver and thank god Parker fell. A big bodied 50/50 ball winner, Parker is “The other Rhode Islane Receiver” in this draft but shouldn’t be forgotten. He lacks burst speed and isn’t the greatest route runner, but he’s a tough blocker who uses his basketball background to win 50/50 balls easier than most.

Overall, I’m pretty happy with this mock. I wish I would have snagged a quality quarterback, but I just don’t see the Steelers taking one with the number of guys we have in Barrett, Lynch, Duck and Mason behind Ben. I love the work I was able to do on the defensive and offensive lines. Moss is an insane grab late, and Parker should be a nice addition to our receiving room. Let me know your guys thoughts, and add my settings above to see how your mock falls!