With The First Pick
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Steelers 2020 Mock Draft: Pittsburgh looks for depth without early picks

By Jacob Harrison

CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 14: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns delivers a pass over the defense of outside linebacker T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 14, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 14: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns delivers a pass over the defense of outside linebacker T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 14, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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SOUTH BEND, IN – NOVEMBER 10: Miles Boykin #81 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish makes a three-yard touchdown reception against Hamsah Nasirildeen #23 of the Florida State Seminoles in the first quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on November 10, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN – NOVEMBER 10: Miles Boykin #81 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish makes a three-yard touchdown reception against Hamsah Nasirildeen #23 of the Florida State Seminoles in the first quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on November 10, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

55. Scouting Report. Safety / Linebacker. Hamsah Nasirildeen. 54. player. Pick Analysis. Florida State

The number one problem that plagues the Pittsburgh Steelers on a weekly basis, other than injuries, is defending tight ends. Both Terrell Edmunds and Mark Barron were brought on to eliminate this problem and neither has delivered. Hamsah Nasirildeen is but just one player and cannot replace both, though he can alleviate the pain inflicted by opposing tight ends.

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Nasireldeen possesses immense size,  standing 6’4″ and 215 pounds. His size and speed make him a hybrid option capable of playing a nickel linebacker or strong safety.  Couple those qualities with the proven playmaking ability shown by the Seminole prospect and the Steelers have themselves an instant impact defender in the late second round.

Nasirildeen appears to have more promise as a linebacker. His tackle totals, 204 and counting in three years at FSU, speak to that. With Devin Bush playing at a Defensive Rookie of the Year level, Barron on the bad side of the fan base, and Vince Williams not getting any faster, Nasirildeen makes a good fit in passing situations.

While it’s fair to expect the Steelers to look offensively in the 2020 draft, most of the problems on that side of the ball stem from inexperience. Continuing to load up an explosive defense with playmakers isn’t a bad plan.

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