2017 NFL Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers 7-round mock
Ahkello Witherspoon
Cornerback, Colorado
With so much invested in the front seven now, it is time to tie up the rest of the unit. Cornerback is one of the deepest units in the class, and fortunately for the Steelers it will leave a lot of options in the middle rounds for them. Witherspoon is a raw but underrated asset that could turn into a starter in the NFL.
Witherspoon is a player who hit his growth spurt late. He graduated high school at 5’8”, causing him to go to Junior College. He then hit his spurt, transferred to Colorado and graduated at 6’3”. With that spurt, he shows to be a bit clumsy and unbalanced as a cornerback.
However, he is one of the most athletic cornerbacks in the class, possesses good football smarts and can make great breaks on the ball using his agility and length. He is raw, but his upside is starter level, and potentially quality starter level. He has the recognition, athleticism, and scheme diversity to be an excellent third round decision.
Wayne Gallman
Running back, Clemson
With so much focus on defense, the Steelers can finally move on to offense. While Le’Veon Bell is signed to the franchise tag, it is currently a one year deal. On top of that DeAngelo Williams is unsigned, and may retire, and Karlos Williams was waived. Fitzgerald Toussaint is the only other back signed, and like Bell, he is a free agent in 2018. Fortunately for the Steelers, this is a good running back class.
Gallman is a good back to slot in as a potential long-term backup to Le’Veon Bell. Gallman runs hard, but at the same time shows finesse footwork to fit into small holes. He runs a bit upright, and may not have the best breakaway speed, but he is always picking up extra yards, and shows great vision to be a sustainable runner.
While he is a strong runner, the best assets he brings are in the passing game. He is a threat to catch the ball, and he is a threat as a blocker. In the passing game, Gallman is long and has good hands. He can catch on the run, and make agile plays in space. He is also a former linebacker, and when he sees defenders coming at him when pass protecting, Gallman is never afraid to lower his shoulder and lay the hit on his opponent.
Gallman can run with the same playbook as Bell, and can ease his load as an every down back, as Bell has been injured at least once every season in his career.