3 NFL Draft prospects the Pittsburgh Steelers should avoid

3 NFL Draft prospects the Steelers should avoid

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 01: Quarterback Mac Jones #10 of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks for an open receiver against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the third quarter of the 2021 College Football Playoff Semifinal Game at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Capital One at AT&T Stadium on January 01, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

1 of 3

Dec 19, 2020; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) makes a catch against Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Malachi Moore (13) in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports /

The Steelers have to add an instant starter at No. 28 in this year’s NFL Draft. Adding any of these three players will end in disaster for Pittsburgh.

The Steelers place a lot of emphasis on continuity as a franchise, but Pittsburgh is going to face more than its fair share of roster upheaval this offseason. The sheer number of high-priced veterans that could be leaving the team makes landing an impact starter in Round 1 of the NFL Draft a necessity for the AFC North champs.

The problem is that, as usual, Pittsburgh finds itself making its selection near the end of Day 1. Finding a potential star at No. 28 is a challenge for the Steelers front office. The silver lining to that dark cloud is that Pittsburgh has several roster holes they could look to fill with the pick.

Finding a quarterback to serve as Ben Roethlisberger’s ultimate successor should absolutely be a consideration. Running back and wide receiver could also be viewed as needs given the impending free agencies of both Juju Smith-Schuster and James Conner. The defensive coaching staff will pound the table for an edge rusher capable of filling the void left by Bud Dupree’s likely departure.

Pittsburgh can’t fill all their needs via the draft, but they have to make one weakness disappear with the No. 28 pick. Choosing any one of the following trio would represent a swing-and-miss for the Steelers in this year’s draft.

3. Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida

Toney is a prospect that should generate a lot of buzz as the pre-draft process rolls along. He may lack the size to play on the outside, but his ability to be a star in the slot shouldn’t be questioned. He’s got the wiggle to turn short throws into long touchdowns.

The Steelers have made a habit of drafting wideouts and turning them into stars. Last year’s second round pick Chase Claypool may be headed in that direction. That could tempt Pittsburgh to go to the wide receiver well at No. 28.

The team just can’t afford to spend such a valuable draft choice on a slot receiver given all of the other needs they currently possess. Toney could blossom into a star for someone, but it shouldn’t be Pittsburgh.

Home/Pittsburgh Steelers