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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Deshaun Watson heads to Broadway

By Brad Weiss

Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) walks on the field during the first quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) walks on the field during the first quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 19, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Brantley (57) celebrates after a stop during the second half against the LSU Tigers at Tiger Stadium. The Gators defeat the Tigers 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Brantley (57) celebrates after a stop during the second half against the LSU Tigers at Tiger Stadium. The Gators defeat the Tigers 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Caleb Brantley

DL, Florida

The University of Florida made it to the SEC Championship this past season, though they were quickly disposed of by the University of Alabama. However, the team was loaded with stars on the defensive side of the ball, including two cornerbacks that should be picked in the first round. Joining Quincy Wilson and Teez Tabor as potential first rounders is defensive tackle Caleb Brantley, who recently decided he would forgo his senior season for a shot at the pros.

Replacing Brantley is going to be tough, as he was usually drawing double teams during the Gators games. He has an explosive first step that enables him to get after the quarterback. He is also a bully in the run game, and has the size and speed to play in either a 4-3 or 3-4 at the next level. He would be a solid pick up by the Pittsburgh Steelers, who need to continue to add talent to their defensive unit.

The Steelers have oen of the better three-headed monsters on offense in the league, as Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown, and Le’Veon Bell are nearly impossible to stop. However, their defense has shown that it can be beaten, so it has to be a priority in the offseason. Brantley is the kind of player who can make an instant impact at the next level, and if he can get into a program like the Steelers, he could end up being an elite defensive lineman in the NFL.

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