2018 NFL Draft Results: Pittsburgh Steelers select Chukwuma Okorafor with third round pick

Entering the 2018 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers had a number of draft needs which they needed to address. Inside linebacker, safety, running back, wide receiver and even quarterback were positions of need to help the black and gold get to the next level in 2018. There have been numerous thoughts and debates regarding what the team will do with their Day 1 and 2 selections.

With the 28th overall draft pick the team added Terrell Edmunds, a safety from Virginia Tech, in the second round the Steelers added wide receiver James Washington, but there is more talent to be acquired. With their first pick in the third round, the team added the player who threw Washington passes, quarterback Mason Rudolph.

The Steelers have selected offensive tackle Chukwuma Okorafor, offensive tackle, with their second of two picks in the third round of the draft.

The addition of an offensive lineman should not shock anyone, considering the fact the Steelers are getting long in the tooth along the offensive line. However, the biggest question fans will be asking is why not take a defender in the second, or third, rounds?

Nonetheless, here is what the NFL Draft Profile on Chukwuma Okorafor looks like:

Okorafor’s size and potential will likely get him drafted earlier than where the tape says he should go. While he has plus physical traits, inconsistencies with balance and instincts could be a challenge to correct. He has the feet to handle speed rushers, but multi-move rushers could eat his lunch early on. Okorafor will need to play with much better consistency and toughness on the next level to become an average NFL starter.

Will the Steelers turn Okorafor into a player who can play both guard and tackle, possibly to be the backup for Alejandro Villanueva and/or Marcus Gilbert? Or will the team hope Mike Munchak can work his magic once again for the offensive tackle of the future?

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ draft needs in the remaining rounds of the draft now would be considered: running back, cornerback and absolutely inside linebacker, among other positions.

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