2021 NFL Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers 7-round mock
The Steelers want to give Ben Roethlisberger one more run at a Super Bowl. Pittsburgh needs to nail the 2021 NFL Draft to accomplish that goal.
Ben Roethlisberger knows the clock is ticking on his Steelers’ career. 2021 likely represents Big Ben’s last chance to take a run at Super Bowl as Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback. That puts a lot of pressure on the franchise’s front office to execute a flawless offseason plan.
Free agency will be a part of that process in Pittsburgh, but the heavy lifting will occur during April’s draft. The Steelers pride themselves on acquiring talented prospects in the draft and developing them into stars inside their own building.
The Steelers’ 2021 draft strategy will be heavily influenced by the decisions the franchise makes regarding several of its own high-profile free agents. JuJu Smith-Schuster wants to stay in Pittsburgh, but it’s unclear whether or not he’s willing to take a discount to turn that dream into a reality.
Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, he isn’t the only high-profile flight risk. Bud Dupree, James Conner, Alejandro Villanueva, and Mike Hilton are also hitting the open market in search of sizable contracts.
The Steelers will need to pick and choose which veterans they can keep. The majority of the departures must be replaced through the draft. Pittsburgh should start by nabbing a talented two-way defensive end that can help to fortify their defensive line.
Gregory Rousseau. 24. player. 55. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Edge. Miami
The Steelers would be ecstatic to see Rousseau fall to them at No. 24. He’s got every athletic gift required to become an outstanding pass-rusher at the next level. Pittsburgh’s coaching staff will need to spend a lot of time with him to improve his technique, but it’s an investment that should pay off handsomely in short order.
At the very least, Rousseau can come in immediately and make Pittsburgh comfortable with the idea of letting Dupree walk in free agency. At best, he can help turn the Steelers’ pass rush into an even more dynamic strength by the time the 2021 playoffs roll around.