2016 NFL Mock Draft: Week 11 Update
By Jon Dove
Nov 7, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Shannon Brooks (27) tries to keep Ohio State Buckeyes safety Vonn Bell (11) from scoring after an interception at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
25. Pittsburgh Steelers- Vonn Bell, S, Ohio State
The back end of the Pittsburgh Steelers defense has been a problem area for several years. Things started to take a downhill turn once the injury bug bit Troy Polamalu. Pittsburgh held out hope that he’d return to form for far too long.
This lack of foresight is why we’ve seen a drop in the defensive production. The issues in the secondary and lack of a pass rush have been the most glaring problems.
Adding a cover safety like Ohio State’s Vonn Bell would make an immediate impact. Bell is a good athlete who possesses the range to play a strong center field. This defense has allowed too many big plays which is a problem Bell could help solve.
Over the past few drafts, the Steelers focused on upgrading the front seven and now it’s time to work on the secondary.
Pittsburgh may also look at adding an inside linebacker to the mix. Lawrence Timmons is on the back end of his career and is owed a lot of money through the rest of his contract. Alabama’s Reggie Ragland would make sense if he was still available.
The Steelers shouldn’t consider adding a quarterback in the 1st round, but they need to start looking for a long-term option for Ben Roethlisberger.
Next: No. 26 Atlanta