2017 NFL Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers 7-round mock
With the 30th pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Steelers need to add impact players. Who should they take to get past the AFC Championship?
The Steelers found themselves one game away from a Super Bowl berth. However, that game against the New England Patriots exposed a lot of holes on the team’s roster. The Steelers will use the draft to put their roster over the top. How can they do that?
Before we get into the seven round mock draft for these picks it is important to remember the conversation should not be about whether or not that player will be at that pick. The list of players left in each round will be used via fanspeak.com. Instead, the conversation should be about how that player fits. Nobody can predict a perfect draft, but it is a good exercise to understand player limitations and roles. With that said, here is your Pittsburgh Steelers seven round mock draft.
Carl Lawson
EDGE, Auburn
The Steelers have to address their outside linebacker position. James Harrison is 39 years old and while he signed on to a two-year deal, he will have to retire at some point. The Steelers defense has been known for years for strong presence at outside linebacker. Behind Harrison is Bud Dupree, who has nine career starts, and a bunch of question marks. Jarvis Jones is a free agent who is not going to re-sign. Arthur Moats and Anthony Chickillo are free agents in 2018, and are better as special teams contributors than defensive players anyways.
It is tough to see the board breaking, but the Steelers should be able to get one of their highest rated pass rushers in the class. Athletically, Lawson performed well. He was a former number four recruit in the nation, but injuries set his career back a bit. Still, in a healthy junior season, Lawson showed why he was such a respected recruit. His injury history should push him to 30, but the Steelers could be the team that jumps on Lawson in round one.