Pittsburgh Steelers' Mock Draft Roundup: What the Experts Are Saying

With only a few days until the NFL draft, it is only a matter of time before the Pittsburgh Steelers select the best defensive prospect available—or so we think.

A defensive back is a likely selection, with 19 of 30 predraft visitors playing either cornerback or safety, according to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. That could mean William Jackson, Eli Apple or Mackensie Alexander could soon provide a much-needed injection of talent in the secondary.

However, the Steelers are unpredictable and will look for the best available talent, even if it means passing on a cornerback in the first round for the 19th consecutive year. That could mean selecting a top defensive lineman or safety, or even a falling pass-rusher.

Until the Steelers make their selection, there is no way to say for sure whom they will select. What we do know with a selection in the bottom half of the draft, a lot can happen between the No. 1 and No.25 overall pick.

Given the many scenarios that could play out come draft day, here is a look at who some of the top draft experts are picking for the Steelers.

Pete Prisco, CBSSports.com: OT Jack Conklin, Michigan State

L.G. Patterson/Associated Press

With nearly every draft expert targeting a defender for the Steelers in the first round, Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com took a different approach. Rather than focus on rebuilding the defense, Prisco wanted to solidify one of the top offensive units in the NFL by selecting offensive tackle Jack Conklin from Michigan State.

Although not a top need, Prisco did make a good point when he stated, “[Conklin] would compete with Alejandro Villanueva for the starting left tackle spot. He’s a self-made brawler.”

Villanueva performed admirably in his 10 starts last season, but the Steelers could use a more consistent option to protect Ben Roethlisberger’s blindside. According to the Washington Post, Villanueva allowed 7.5 sacks, which resulted in a loss of 66.5 yards.

Eric Eager of Pro Football Focus believes that the Steelers could upgrade the position after Villanueva finished as the “11th worst among tackles with a 93.2 pass blocking efficiency, allowing 39 total pressures on 459 pass-blocking snaps.”

As Prisco stated, Conklin would immediately challenge Villanueva for the starting job. At 6’6” and 308 pounds, he has terrific size and the talent to match, ranked as CBSSport.com’s third-best offensive tackle and No. 16 overall prospect.

Conklin has good strength, but lacks elite athleticism for the position. He makes up for this with his technique, which would only improve under offensive line coach Mike Munchak. Although he isn’t the defender the Steelers need, he would make a great addition to an already strong offensive line.

Cris Collinsworth, Pro Football Focus: CB Eli Apple, Ohio State

Darron Cummings/Associated Press

In his second mock draft released on April 22, Cris Collinsworth of Pro Football Focus selected Ohio State cornerback Eli Apple with the No. 25 pick. Although Apple may need time to adjust to Pittsburgh’s scheme, he believes that it is a risk worth taking:

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Our PFF analysts are worried about Apple’s ability to play in a zone-heavy scheme like the one Pittsburgh used last season, but perhaps the presence of an excellent cover corner like Apple would encourage the team to play more man coverage. Either way, cornerback is a big need for the Steelers, and Apple is the best one available here. He is very tough and physical with receivers at the line of scrimmage, and has good-enough speed and quickness to upgrade this position group for Pittsburgh.

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At 6’1” and 199 pounds, Apple would provide Pittsburgh’s secondary with some much-needed size to match up with the taller receivers they will face throughout the season. His experience as a two-year starter and playing at Ohio State—a favorite for the Steelers—are also in his favor.

Apple is one of the top-rated cornerbacks in the draft and could eventually develop into one of the top defensive backs from this draft class. This potential may be too hard for the Steelers to pass on if he is available with the No. 25 selection.

Although the coaching staff would not throw him into the starting lineup, he would instantly be the most talented cornerback on the roster and would push for playing time early. However, he will have to improve his tackling and prove that he can avoid drawing flags before becoming an integral part of the lineup.

Apple will need time to develop at the NFL level, but once he does, he has the potential to become the shutdown cornerback that the Steelers need for their defense.

Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com: CB Artie Burns, Miami

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

In his seventh mock draft published on April 19, Daniel Jeremiah made a relatively surprising selection for the Steelers with cornerback Artie Burns from Miami. He noted that “Burns has outstanding size, play speed and ball skills.”

Cornerbacks are the hot topic in Pittsburgh, but Burns is one name that hasn’t been discussed much—if at all—as a first-round option. He is the No. 7 cornerback prospect on CBSSports.com and No. 66 overall prospect and would be a better option in the second round.

However, that does not mean the Steelers will not consider him with their top selection. Burns is 6’0” and 193 pounds and has good speed. He is a proven playmaker as well, with six interceptions last season.

Even with an intriguing skillset, Burns has some holes in his game that makes this a questionable selection. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com highlighted some of these issues:

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While his tape is average and technique can be non­existent at times, NFL teams often draft on traits at the cornerback spot and assume that coaching will take care of the rest. Burns has length, speed, ball skills and abundant potential. Keep in mind he was limited in his growth at the position thanks to a spring track schedule, but he is still in the infant stages of reaching his pro potential.

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The Steelers are in a win-now mentality, and a player in the “infant stages” of their development is not an ideal selection for the first round.

Chris Burke, SI.com: CB Mackensie Alexander, Clemson

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Chris Burke of SI.com continued the trend of predicting a cornerback to the Steelers. In his April 20 mock draft, he projected Clemson cornerback Mackensie Alexander to Pittsburgh.

“Alexander’s draft stock is very much in flux a week or so out,” Burke stated. “Teams may regret letting him slip too far, and Pittsburgh’s secondary would benefit greatly from Alexander’s skills and swagger.”

In recent years, the Steelers have had mixed results with prospects who have “slipped” in the draft. They found a gem with David DeCastro and a disappointment with Jarvis Jones. The jury is still out on Bud Dupree, but the Steelers may not want to take another risk on a falling player.

Alexander is a competitive player who has had a lot of success while at Clemson. According to Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, he “allowed just 29.6 percent completions and no touchdowns.” He also added 11 passes defended.

Despite shutting down the receivers he matched up against, Alexander failed to register an interception, and that is a concern. Last season, the Steelers put an emphasis on creating turnovers. Does Alexander lack the ability, or was he good enough in coverage that opponents didn’t look in his direction?

In fact, Zierlein believes that Alexander could fall out of the first round:

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The general public has been in love with Alexander as a draft prospect for a while, but I'm not sure that NFL teams feel the same way about him. Alexander's size (5-foot-10, 190 pounds) is a concern for many teams I've spoken with as they see him as more of a slot corner than an outside player. If he had a history of making a ton of plays on the ball, it would probably land him in the first round, but he didn't make any interceptions at Clemson.

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It is possible that the Steelers are one of these teams. However, Alexander has proven to be an excellent coverage option at the collegiate level, his lack of size and interceptions put some doubt whether he could ever develop into a No. 1 option.

Even with the concerns, Alexander has a chance to become the best pure cover corner in this draft. He may not be at the top of the Steelers draft board, but would certainly help fix an ailing secondary and a player the front office should consider.

Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: CB William Jackson III, Houston

Darron Cummings/Associated Press

In his seventh mock draft on April 23, Lance Zierlein of NFL.com made it clear that cornerback William Jackson III of Houston meets every criterion for the Steelers, “Let's see, size (check). Speed (check). Ball skills (check). Pittsburgh needs immediate cover help and Jackson's combine has him on the radar for every team.”

Jackson is the ideal prospect for the Steelers and they have shown plenty of interest throughout the predraft process:

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Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert here @UHCougarFB Pro Day his primary interest: projected first-round cornerback William Jackson

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 24, 2016

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Was William Jackson dinner with Steelers just the appetizer for AFC North club and Houston corner? https://t.co/Ns4ADsjnPn via @HoustonChron

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 25, 2016

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Text from pro scout who was at #Houston pro day: "I bet Will Jackson ends up in Pittsburgh. They can't hide their love for him."

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) March 25, 2016"

The 6’0” and 189-pound Jackson had an excellent 2015 season with 43 tackles, five interceptions and 23 passes defended. His biggest moments came in the biggest games with seven passes defended in the American Athletic Conference championship game along with two interceptions to cap off a defensive MVP performance in the Peach Bowl against Florida State, per Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.

Jackson performed well against top competition all season, according to Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus, with a passer rating of 31.8 when targeted and zero touchdowns against when facing Power-5 competition. Monson added:

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Jackson was PFF’s second-highest graded cornerback in coverage this season, and second only to Ramsey in overall grade when play against the run is thrown into the equation. He was targeted 93 times this past season, allowing only 46 catches (49.5 percent). He had five interceptions and 12 pass breakups, allowing a passer rating of just 57.9 when thrown his way.

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Jackson has the size and ball skills that the Steelers will desire from a No. 1 cornerback. He is also one of the fastest defensive backs in the draft after a 4.37 40-yard dash at the combine. In fact, the combination of physical traits and production could send him way up draft boards later this week.

The Steelers need to upgrade the secondary, and Jackson is the perfect match. When it comes time for the No. 25 selection, if Jackson is still on the board, Kevin Colbert will not waste any time sending in the draft card, and Pittsburgh will have its next shutdown corner.

Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN: S Vonn Bell, Ohio State

Norm Hall/Getty Images

On April 21, Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay of ESPN.com took part in a head-to-head mock draft. When it came time for the Steelers selection, Kiper took safety Vonn Bell from Ohio State.

Although it is a bit high, Kiper believed Bell would be an upgrade for the secondary: “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.”

Bell isn’t the most dynamic safety in the draft, but he has a strong knowledge of the position and has the potential to develop into the leader in the secondary. While this will take time, Matt Miller of Bleacher Report believes that Bell has the chance to contribute early in his career:

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An ideal safety in two-high sets, Bell has the traits to be a playmaker in Cover 2 schemes or when locked up in man coverage against tight ends. He is a heady player with the awareness and instincts to match up on various routes and offensive designs. He’s been well-coached at Ohio State and won’t get caught peeking into the backfield or taking false steps.

Bell has flashed ball skills (nine interceptions, 15 pass breakups) and has the hands to secure interceptions on routine and ridiculous catches alike. With his football IQ and leadership abilities in the secondary, Bell will be an asset early on in his pro career. He should work into nickel packages during his rookie season and become a full-time starter by his second year.

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Despite a strong grasp of the mental aspect of the game, Bell only has average size and athleticism. For a defense loaded with playmakers looking for a steady presence at safety, Bell would be a fine addition. However, the Steelers need a game-changer on defense, and he does not fit the bill.

Bell would not be a good use of a first-round pick, but would be worth a second-round selection. If the Steelers are going to consider a safety with their top pick, they should look in the direction of Karl Joseph, who has the potential to develop into a top playmaker.

Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com: NT Andrew Billings, Baylor

Tom Pennington/Getty Images

William Jackson wasn’t the only prospect Pittsburgh’s front office and coaching staff showed strong interest in. Another was nose tackle Andrew Billings from Baylor, Dane Brugler’s first-round selection for the Steelers in his latest mock draft.

“With Steve McLendon leaving via free agency, Pittsburgh needs to address the nose tackle position at some point in the draft, and Billings might be too appealing to pass up for Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert,” Brugler wrote.

Not only did the Steelers show a lot of interest in Billings at his pro day, but they had their most legendary player have dinner with the young nose tackle:

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All 32 teams at Baylor pro day. Steelers have their DC, OC, HC & GM here. Nearly 100 NFL personnel, more today than for RG3's workout.

— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) March 16, 2016"

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You could see the excitement on Andrew Billings' face when he told me he got the chance to have dinner with Mean Joe Greene last night

— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) March 16, 2016"

Billings wouldn’t address the secondary, but he would provide an immediate upgrade for the defense. As Brugler pointed out, the Steelers lost starting nose tackle Steve McLendon to free agency and could use a replacement.

However, Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette doesn’t believe this would be a wise investment.

“Pegged by some as the Steelers’ pick at No. 25. We’re not one of them. Would be nice nose tackle, but they play only 30 percent of the time in Steelers defense and they have two excellent DE," Bouchette wrote.

It is true that the Steelers work primarily from their sub package, but that doesn’t mean that Billings would be limited to just playing 30 percent of the snaps. He is capable of playing out of the traditional three-man front as well as on the interior of a four-man front.

Rather than put an undersized outside linebacker at the edge with his hand in the dirt, the Steelers could line up Bud Dupree and Cam Heyward at defensive end with Stephon Tuitt and Billings playing the interior. That gives the Steelers a potentially dominating front four that could push the pocket to pressure the quarterback as well as defend against the run.

Billings has the size to play the traditional nose tackle role where he can keep the linebackers clean, but he has enough power to make plays behind the line of scrimmage. With a dominant force in the middle, the Steelers could control the line and the entire front seven would improve.

Billings would represent the final piece to a strong front seven and one of the few rookie defenders capable of making an instant impact.

Note: Unless otherwise noted, all stats are courtesy of Sports-Reference.com, all combine results are courtesy of the NFL.com Draft Tracker and all roster information is courtesy of Steelers.com.  

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