Fansided

2017 NFL Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers 7-round mock

By Parker Hurley

Sep 17, 2016; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive end Charles Harris (91) celebrates after a sack against the Georgia Bulldogs in the first half at Faurot Field. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive end Charles Harris (91) celebrates after a sack against the Georgia Bulldogs in the first half at Faurot Field. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
Oct 22, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers linebacker Duke Riley (40) celebrates as Mississippi Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly (10) looks on following a defensive stop during the second half of a game at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Mississippi 38-21. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers linebacker Duke Riley (40) celebrates as Mississippi Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly (10) looks on following a defensive stop during the second half of a game at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Mississippi 38-21. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
135

Duke Riley

Linebacker, LSU

The Steelers go right back to the defense in round four. At linebacker, the team just the loss of Lawrence Timmons. It likely means that Vince Williams, who the Steelers extended in 2016 will slot in as the new starter. The Steelers are still going to have to make sure they have some young depth on the roster.

Riley is a quick linebacker who flies to the ball and is great in coverage. He is a bit undersized, at 232 pounds, and thanks to Deion Jones, Riley only has one season of starter experience. However, he showed admirably in replacing the second round pick, and proved that he fits in the NFL as well.

Williams will start in the middle, but he will have some issues in coverage. When the Steelers go into the nickel, they could be looking at Riley to step in next to Ryan Shazier and bring a ton of speed to the position. Riley is also a player who profile similarly to Shazier, which is good given the injury history of the Pro Bowl linebacker. Shazier has missed at least four games in every season he has played in, and in the past it was Williams stepping in.

Tyler Matakevich, Steve Johnson, and LJ Fort are on the roster, but Riley may step in with the most upside. He would be a great fit and a solid value in the fourth round.

Home/NFL Draft