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Pittsburgh Steelers full 2019 NFL mock draft

By Rucker Haringey

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 23: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 23, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 23: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 23, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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OXFORD, MS – SEPTEMBER 8: Dawson Knox #9 of the Mississippi Rebels warms up before a game against the Southern Illinois Salukis at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Oxford, Mississippi. The Rebels defeated the Salukis 76-41. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
OXFORD, MS – SEPTEMBER 8: Dawson Knox #9 of the Mississippi Rebels warms up before a game against the Southern Illinois Salukis at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Oxford, Mississippi. The Rebels defeated the Salukis 76-41. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Round 3: Dawson Knox

Jesse James is headed for a big pay-day with the Lions which leaves the Steelers short at the tight end position. In our previous mock we had them going for Irv Smith in Round 2, but this time around we’re going with a different SEC player one round later.

It’s important to remember that Knox was surrounded by elite receivers during his time at Ole Miss. He was never really a focal point of the Rebels offense. That means he didn’t put up huge numbers as a collegiate.

That’s not a shot at the Ole Miss offense, Knox doesn’t have the explosive athleticism to have dictated a larger role. He’s not going to transform into an elite receiver at the pro level either. Knox has above average speed and good hands. He’ll be able to make catches in space in the NFL, but he’s not going to run away from safeties and linebackers when he faces single coverage.

What will attract the Steelers to Knox is his willingness and ability to use his body in the run game. He’s one of the best blocking tight end in this year’s draft class. Knox has the ability to become a weapon for Pittsburgh’s ground game. He isn’t the sexiest tight end in the draft, but he’s a solid bet to carve out a long career as a big time blocker.

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