The Pittsburgh Steelers made two significant moves last week in free agency when they added inside linebacker Jon Bostic and safety Morgan Burnett. The two acquisitions were to glaring weak spots on the team’s roster, and many wondered if the moves would alter the team’s strategy heading into the 2018 NFL Draft?
While some are suggesting the Steelers can truly go Best Player Available (BPA) when it is their turn to pick 28th in the first round, many believe the team should still target the inside linebacker and safety positions in whichever order presents itself to be the best-case scenario.
In the latest mock draft by SB Nation’s Dan Kadar, they have the Steelers doing just that. Even though they added Burnett, he has the team taking safety Ronnie Harrison from Alabama.
See what their thinking was behind the selection:
28. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama
A linebacker may be out of the question for the Steelers after the signing of Jon Bostic. If so, it’s challenging to find an overly obvious need on arguably the NFL’s most talented roster. You really have to wonder on draft night if the Steelers will try and be aggressive to move up and get one of the top safeties. If they stick at No. 28, Harrison can set up in the secondary as a read and react safety who closes on the ball in a hurry. Keep an eye on the Le’Veon Bell situation, though. If Pittsburgh thinks the situation there is beyond the point of no return, a running back like Derrius Guice could be in play.
While the Steelers going with a safety in Round 1 wouldn’t shock anyone, the team certainly has more options than they did just a week ago. If the team decided to take a quarterback, or running back, in the first round they at least know they have serviceable players at the ready at both inside linebacker and safety. Knowing this would allow them to tackle those positions of need in the later rounds of the draft.
What do you think about Harrison as a prospect? Is he worth a 1st round pick, and do you feel he fits what the Steelers are looking for in a safety? Let us know in the comment section below!