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The future is now for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and with the 2017 NFL Draft just over a week away it is time we go through specific scenarios and discuss just what could go right, and wrong, with the Steelers in the first round of the draft.
We will be doing almost one scenario a day leading up to the draft, which will always provide a different result, as well as the explanation behind the selection.
Time for the Steelers 2017 NFL Draft scenario 2.0.
Scenario: The Steelers are in a wait-and-see position selecting 30th in the first round of the NFL Draft, and their patience will mean they have to select from the best of what’s left at the back end of Round 1.
Considering the fact the team is looking to add an EDGE pass rusher, they have some options at the position when it is their turn to make a selection. T.J. Watt, Carl Lawson, Derek Rivers, Charles Harris and Tim Williams are all still on the board at the pass rusher position. There are also cornerback options still available. Adoree’ Jackson, Gareon Conley and Tre’Davious White are still on the board too.
For those wondering about quarterbacks, there aren’t any available who would be considered a first round draft pick.
Steelers Pick: With the team in dire straits at the outside linebacker position, the team selects T.J. Watt with their first pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Pittsburgh has shown a tremendous amount of interest in Watt this offseason. They met with him at the NFL Scouting Combine, went to his Pro Day and even took him out to dinner after his workout.
Analysis: With James Harrison still on the team, Watt wouldn’t be needed on every down, but his ability to play a multitude of positions on the defense, he would be able to play in sub packages, as well as to fill in for Harrison when he needs a breather. Watt would be a great addition to a Steelers defense who runs their sub packages about 75-percent of the time, compared to their 3-4 zone defense.
With Watt being the team’s selection, it would allow the team to focus on the secondary, as well as other positions, on Day two as the team has three picks in Rounds 2-3.
Check out the past NFL Draft scenarios:
NFL Draft Scenario 1.0 - A QB in the first round