Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
EUGENE, OR – SEPTEMBER 22: University of Oregon LB Jalen Jelks (97) looks to the sideline during a college football game between the Oregon Ducks and Stanford Cardinal on September 22, 2018, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.(Photo by Brian Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
EUGENE, OR – SEPTEMBER 22: University of Oregon LB Jalen Jelks (97) looks to the sideline during a college football game between the Oregon Ducks and Stanford Cardinal on September 22, 2018, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.(Photo by Brian Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Round 4: Jalen Jelks

Jelks is a really interesting draft prospect. He arrived at Oregon with a big time reputation, but he never seemed to put everything together for the Ducks. Even so, it’s hard not to fall in love with his size and athleticism on the edge.

The Steelers defense is still trying to find more speed after losing Ryan Shazier to injury. Jelks doesn’t fit that need directly, but he should be able to toggle back and forth between DE and OLB during his career depending on the scheme. For Pittsburgh he looks like a great addition to rush the passer from the linebacker spot.

The only question about Jelks’ fit with the Steelers is if they’d rather go with a guy who can play inside linebacker as well. That’s not something we’re projecting for Jelks. He’s an edge guy only. That, combined with his lack of weight means he can really only serve as an OLB in Tomlin’s 3-4 system.

The key for Jelks will be to improve his 40 time at Oregon’s Pro Day. We’re inclined to think the 4.92 he posted at the Combine was an unfortunate fluke in the wrong direction. He looks much faster on tape. The Steelers will want to come away with an edge rusher in this draft, and Jelks is a high-ceiling option this late in the draft.

Home/Pittsburgh Steelers