Mel Kiper Mock Draft: A vote for Wake Forest CB Kevin Johnson

ESPN Draft Analyst Mel Kiper Jr. sent Wake Forest cornerback Kevin Johnson to the Steelers with the 22nd overall pick in his first mock draft of the season.

His reasoning:

Analysis: The Steelers are long in the tooth at cornerback and need a player who can help early at that position (not an easy ask) but will get that kind of player if Johnson is still on the board here. Johnson has outstanding instincts and always seems to have a good idea of where the ball is going. He's got slightly above-average length and, while a lean guy, shows fearlessness as a tackler -- he's not shy about playing the run. The Steelers could also look for an edge player here coming off a season during which they had to call on James Harrison, but this is a sensible need pick.

Johnson joins Michigan State's Trae Waynes and Washington's Marcus Peters - all cornerbacks - as the fans' consensus pick for the Steelers' first round selection. He was Walter Football's pick for Pittsburgh at 22 in his most recent mock draft.

We broke down Waynes earlier Thursday, and did a brief tidbit on Johnson two weeks ago. All three appear to be outstanding players, with Johnson generally considered the third option at cornerback of all prospects.

For all 2015 Mock Draft analysis, check out the Mock Draft Hub