2018 NFL Mock Draft: Browns land Baker Mayfield

RALEIGH, NC - NOVEMBER 04: North Carolina State Wolfpack defensive end Bradley Chubb (9) enters the field before the game between the Clemson Tigers and the NC State Wolfpack on November 04, 2017 at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, NC. (Photo by William Howard/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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MOBILE, AL – JANUARY 27: Darius Leonard #50 of the South team defends during the Reese’s Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium on January 27, 2018 in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

Darius Leonard. 28. player. 55. . LB. South Carolina State

Steelers fans will be paying closest attention to the contract extension negotiations with running back Le’Veon Bell, but add to the front seven with South Carolina State linebacker Darius Leonard.

Leonard is an under-the-radar, small-school prospect that figures to have some helium with a strong performance at the Combine. He made himself some money with a strong week at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, putting his outstanding length and range on display. The team has some familiarity with the South Carolina State program (Javon Hargrave) and could go back to that well with one of the most productive players in its program history in Leonard.

If the team feels a long look at a quarterback or running back in this spot is warranted, it’s possible that they pull the trigger in an effort to find Bell’s and/or Roethlisberger’s long-term replacement. Head coach Mike Tomlin and GM Kevin Colbert form one of the most consistent player evaluation duos in the NFL, so there’s no doubt in my mind that they’re prepared for whatever situation that may arise.

Ryan Shazier’s long-term outlook remains uncertain, meaning the Steelers could be looking for his replacement in the draft earlier rather than later. If things go south with Bell, their strategy will obviously change significantly, but for now I’m sticking with my original pick of Leonard with the 28th-overall selection.

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