NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah has now released his fourth mock draft of the offseason and after previously having the Pittsburgh Steelers selecting Virginia outside linebacker Eli Harold with the 22nd overall pick, he now has them taking Alabama safety Landon Collins.
Jeremiah writes:
Collins can play safety on run downs and slide down to nickel linebacker in passing situations.
Should the Steelers indeed wind up selecting Collins, it will mark the first time that they have drafted a safety in the first round since they took Troy Polamalu with the 16th overall selection in 2003 NFL Draft. In addition to that, it would be very unlikely that Collins would see much, if any, playing time on defense during his rookie season being as veteran Mike Mitchell and Shamarko Thomas would both likely be the starters should Polamalu ultimately retire or be released.
Last season, Collins recorded 98 total tackles and three interceptions. He is currently regarded as being the top safety in this year’s draft class.
If you missed our breakdown of Collins, you can read it here.
