2017 NFL Mock Draft: Week 16 Update
By Jon Dove
Pittsburgh Steelers
1st Round, No. 26 overall- Dawuane Smoot, Edge, Illinois
2nd Round, No. 58 overall- Dion Dawkins, OT, Temple
3rd Round, No. 90 overall- Chad Kelly, QB, Ole Miss
The Pittsburgh Steelers need to look at their pass-rushing depth and considering adding someone early in the 2017 NFL Draft. Jarvis Jones is a pending free agent, Bud Dupree is coming off a major injury and James Harrison is on the back end of his career.
Illinois’ Dawuane Smoot is an edge defender who can put pressure on the quarterback and hold up against the run. He doesn’t get nearly as much attention as he deserves mainly based on the struggles of Illinois.
Smoot has developed a wide array of pass rush moves over the years and is much more than just a speed rusher.
The Steelers need some depth along the offensive line and someone who could push Alejandro Villanueva for the starting left tackle job. Dion Dawkins is someone with the athleticism and upside to fill that role.
Dawkins isn’t a finished product and needs to improve his footwork. However, he has the raw tools evaluators look for in a left tackle prospect.
Landry Jones is obviously not the answer as Ben Roethlisberger’s primary backup. It’s an important position because Roethlisberger tends to miss a game or two each season. Pittsburgh needs someone capable of stepping in and keeping thins afloat if Ben is out of the lineup.
Chad Kelly has the talent to succeed in the NFL, but needs time to mature. Working with Roethlisberger inside the Steelers organization would be a great fit.