Steelers get younger, new QB of future in 7-round mock draft

Round 2, Pick 60: Mac Jones, QB Alabama

The Ben Roethlisberger era has been a huge success in Pittsburgh, one that has garnered two Super Bowl rings and multiple playoff appearances. However, Roethlisberger has struggled behind a porous offensive line and inconsistent playmakers in 2020.

A long-term replacement could be groomed in 2021 as Roethlisberger nears the end of the road for the Steelers. For their second pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Pittsburgh returns to Tuscaloosa for 2020 breakout quarterback, Mac Jones. Jones has had a Heisman-quality season for the Tide and fits the prototype at the position for the Steelers as an ideal replacement for Roethlisberger as he his risen in a talented class of quarterbacks.

Round 3, Pick 91: Israel Mukuamu, CB South Carolina

Pittsburgh has long struggled to draft talent at the outside cornerback position, and the team could use more talent alongside stalwart Joe Haden. The Steelers value tall and lengthy cover men but have failed with recent picks Justin Layne, Cam Sutton, Sean Davis, and Artie Burns. Each of these corners was at least 5-foot-11 and supremely physical prospects at the collegiate level.

Another player that matches the prototype that Pittsburgh prefers at CB is South Carolina stud Israel Mukuamu. The 6-foot-4 Gamecock cornerback was part of a fantastic duo alongside Jaycee Horn in 2020, and each player should become a day two pick. Mukuamu has experience at both cornerback and safety and would be a terrific value here in the third round.