ESPN NFL draft analysts Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay held their annual collaborative mock draft Friday evening and when it comes to the three picks the duo made for the Pittsburgh Steelers, I’m sure most of you won’t be very happy with them.
Kiper was the first to pick for the Steelers and selected Ohio State safety Vonn Bell 25th overall and here’s his thoughts on the selection:
I’m going to follow a reach by McShay at No. 24 with a clear need fit and a solid value with Bell in this spot. Big reminder: Bell could also play cornerback. If it’s help in the secondary, it’s good for the Steelers.
I like how Kiper attempts to justify the selection of Bell by saying he can also play cornerback. Yikes. While I do like Bell, I don’t think he’s worthy of being selected in the first round. It’s unfortunate that McShay selected Baylor defensive tackle Andrew Billings for the Cincinnati Bengals one pick before Kiper made his selection for Pittsburgh.
In the second round, McShay has the Steelers selecting Penn State defensive tackle Austin Johnson 58th overall and here’s what he has to say about the pick:
Total value pick here. The No. 33 overall player on my board, Johnson has enough quickness to disrupt plays in the backfield. Adds good depth to the Steelers’ D-line.
While I understand this selection, I’m just not a big fan of Johnson. Why not take Javon Hargrave here, or better yet, in round three?
In the third and final round of their tandem mock, Kiper picked again for the Steelers and selected LSU tackle Jerald Hawkins. Here is what he writes of the selection:
The Steelers were pleasantly surprised at some of the growth on the O-line last year, but this pick adds immediate depth with starter potential.
While Hawkins is another player who i think has some upside, I think he’s more of a forth or fifth round talent. additionally, the Steelers just don’t need an offensive lineman this early.
Personally, I will not be happy if the Steelers first three selections wind up going this way.
