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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Free agency provides shakeup

By Brad Weiss

December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams (7) against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams (7) against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines safety Jarrod Wilson (22) and defensive end Taco Charlton (33) celebrate his interception against the Florida Gators during the second quarter in the 2016 Citrus Bowl at Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines safety Jarrod Wilson (22) and defensive end Taco Charlton (33) celebrate his interception against the Florida Gators during the second quarter in the 2016 Citrus Bowl at Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /
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Taco Charlton

DE, Michigan

The Pittsburgh Steelers offseason has been based around bringing back some of their key pieces from the 2016 season. First, the team placed the franchise tag on Le’Veon Bell, locking up the star running back for at least one more year. Next, they signed Antonio Brown to a monster contract, making sure Ben Roethlisberger has his best wideout weapon back for 2017. Finally, the team inked the ageless James Harrison for two more years, ensuring the next crop of Steelers linebackers plays with the man with the best work ethic in the league.

While the Steelers do have a nice roster for the 2017 season, they did lose linebacker Lawrence Timmons this free agency period. In order to counteract that loss, the team needs to bring in somebody who can be a difference maker on defense, and Taco Charlton could fill a few holes in the roster. Charlton has the size and speed to play defensive end, or linebacker, and would give the team another player who can really get after the quarterback.

During his time with the Michigan Wolverines, Charlton showed that he can run down anybody, which is incredible considering how big he is. His game is perfectly suited for what the Steelers like to do on defense, and he would have the opportunity to learn from James Harrison early in his career. The Steelers are going to be very good once again in 2016, but without some added talent on defense, they could see their doors blown off in the playoffs like they did against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game.

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