2018 NFL Mock Draft: Full 7-round prediction has Steelers taking back-to-back ILBs

The Pittsburgh Steelers have plenty of needs heading into the 2018 NFL Draft, but of those needs it is pretty clear inside linebacker in the biggest. The absence of Ryan Shazier was noticeable, to say the least, and the team will try to find a way to fill his gigantic shoes.

This isn’t to suggest Shazier is done playing football, but the team needs to prepare for the 2018-2019 season as if he were not going to be part of the team.

With that said, there is a strong chance the team will have another strong defensive draft class, a trend which has continued the past few years under Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin. Along with inside linebacker, the team would need to address the safety position, edge rusher, and possibly nose tackle — and that is just on the defense.

Offensively, the Steelers could potentially add a wide receiver, tight end and you can never have enough quality depth along the offensive line.

Will they be able to address all those needs with 7 total picks? The latest mock draft from Ray Fitpaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 7-round mock draft has the Steelers attacking some major needs early in the draft. Check out who he has tabbed to the Steelers at every pick, as well as some other players he considered each step along the way.

For more insight as to why Fittipaldo made those selections, click on the link above.

1. ILB Rashaan Evans of Alabama

Also considered: S Ronnie Harrison of Alabama

2. ILB Josey Jewell of Iowa

Also considered: S DeShon Elliott of Texas

3. S Quin Blanding of Virginia

Also considered: WR DaeSean Hamilton of Penn State

4. No pick

5a. (via San Francisco) WR Cedric Wilson Jr. of Boise State

Also considered: TE Tyler Conklin of Central Michigan

5b. TE Troy Fumagalli of Wisconsin

Also considered: WR Javon Wims of Georgia

6. No pick

7a. (via New York Giants) DL Lowell Lotulelei of Utah

Also considered: DT Christian LaCouture of LSU

7b. C Will Clapp of LSU

Also considered: G Kyle Bosch of West Virginia