Steelers 2018 NFL Draft Scenarios 2.0: With linebackers gone, Steelers have options at safety

The future is now for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and with the 2018 NFL Draft just weeks 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 week, and more leading up to the draft, which will always provide a different result, as well as the explanation behind the selection.

Time for the Steelers 2018 NFL Draft scenario 2.0.

Scenario: The usual suspects are off the board when most would expect. However, there was an expected run on linebackers with Rashaan Evans and Leighton Vander Esch both off the board before the Steelers made their pick at No. 28.

At this point, the Steelers go into Best Player Available (BPA) mode. Some talented offensive players are off the board, like Mason Rudolph, Derrius Guice and several wide receivers, but the Steelers have options at cornerback and safety with Jaire Alexander still on the board and Justin Reid on the board.

There are some trench players along the offensive and defensive line who are available, and the Steelers have a tough decision to make.

Steelers Pick: The decision came down to Alexander and Reid for the black-and-gold. Alexander has the look of an NFL defensive back, but the versatility of Reid is what ultimately tipped the scales.

With that said, the Steelers take Stanford safety Justin Reid with their first round pick of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Analysis: While our first scenario had the Steelers taking Leighton Vander Esch, the concern is whether or not he will be available when the Steelers pick at No. 28. At this point, there is a chance Reid won’t be there at No. 28, but the odds are much greater for Reid to be available compared to Vander Esch — at this point. Regardless, if this scenario comes to fruition, and linebackers are gone, the Steelers will certainly have options in front of them. Unlike in previous years, this year’s draft will be one to watch to see just what the Steelers do with their top pick in the selection process.

Let’s just hope the team leaves long snapper off their draft board...

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In case you missed some of our other Draft Scenarios:
Draft Scenario 1.0 — Run on safeties leads Leighton Vander Esch to Pittsburgh