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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Quarterbacks rule all

By Brad Weiss

Sep 17, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) looks to pass in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) looks to pass in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 10, 2016; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Dawuane Smoot (91) tackles North Carolina Tar Heels running back Elijah Hood (34) in the endzone for a safety during the 2nd quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Dawuane Smoot (91) tackles North Carolina Tar Heels running back Elijah Hood (34) in the endzone for a safety during the 2nd quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports /

Illinois. Dawuane Smoot. 27. player. 55. . DE

The Pittsburgh Steelers have long been a team built around their defense, as they have been one of the winningest franchise sin NFL history. The issue with this year’s team is they are starting to get a bit older on the defensive side of the ball, and their leader, James Harrison likely does not have much football left in him. The Steelers need to draft a good, young player to bolster their aging unit, and Dawuane Smoot is one heck of a football player.

Smoot got to play this season under head coach Lovie Smith, who once led the Chicago Bears to the Super Bowl. Smith saw enough in Smoot that he made it his goal to get him drafted in the first round next April, and that absolutely could be the case. Smoot is a high-octane defensive end who can move offensive lineman with ease, and has the work ethic to be a solid pro.

The 21-year old has flown a bit under the radar this season, as teams from his Big Ten Conference have gotten much more publicity than the Fighting Illini have. Still, his talent is immense, and he could be used as a solid edge rusher at the next level. Pittsburgh has incredible young talent on the offensive side of the ball, and bringing in a guy like Smoot would give the defensive unit a nice upgrade along the front line.

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