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With the Super Bowl in the books and all eyes looking forward to the 2019 season, updated mock draft projections are beginning to emerge with the draft order now set for April.
Each and every Wednesday for the next 11 weeks, we will bring you a selection of the latest mock draft projections from around the NFL draft community. So far, we have looked at 20 contrasting offerings from some of the more well-known names in the business, with two different defensive players standing out from the pack as the most popular names to project to the Pittsburgh Steelers in each of the last two weeks.
- Midweek Mock Draft Roundup 1.0 consensus pick - Devin White, LB, LSU
- Midweek Mock Draft Roundup 2.0 consensus pick - Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
This week we have found 10 more mock drafts worthy of review, a group that includes several multiple-round projections.
Chad Reuter, NFL Network - WR, Marquise Brown, Oklahoma
“If Antonio Brown ultimately does not return to the Steelers in 2019, “Hollywood” Brown’s similar skill set will be needed in Pittsburgh.”
Round 2 - LB, Mack Wilson, Alabama - “Wilson’s a good find for the middle of the Steelers’ defense”
Round 3 - CB, Iman Marshall, USC - “Coty Sensabaugh is ticketed for free agency and a rejuvenated Joe Haden is in the last year of his deal. It’s a good time to pick a corner.”
(Previous pick - first mock)
Matt Miller, Bleacher Report - CB, Greedy Williams, LSU
“The first cornerback comes off the board at No. 20 overall, which might seem impossible, but the group of corners in this year’s class is not particularly strong at the top. Each of the cornerbacks being considered in Round 1 comes with concerns, which is why Greedy Williams is available here.”
“A 6’3” cover man with excellent length, Williams has to prove at the NFL Scouting Combine that he can run with pro receivers. If he can do that, he’ll be off the board way earlier than this.”
“The Steelers seem to have missed on Artie Burns in 2016 and still have a need for a starting outside cornerback. Williams’ size, instincts and ball skills are exactly what the team must add as it transitions in the secondary.”
(Previous pick - LB, Tre Lamar, Clemon)
Dane Brugler, The Athletic - CB, Byron Murphy, Washington
“The Steelers have several question marks in the secondary and could use a young upgrade at cornerback. Murphy won’t be the biggest or fastest cornerback in this class, but he might be the toughest and most instinctive.”
Round 2 - OLB, Oshane Ximines, Old Dominion - “The Steelers picked up Bud Dupree’s option for the 2019 season, but it would be a surprise if they don’t add young pass rush depth in the first few rounds.”
(Previous pick - LB, Devin White, LSU)
Tom Fornelli, CBS Sports - CB, Deandre Baker, Georgia
“If Baker were a little faster I think he’d be a top-10 pick. He may only be 5-foot-11, but he’s long, and I love his makeup. He’s physical and not afraid to stick his face in places not all corners are willing to tread. Not a shutdown corner, but someone who could become a solid NFL starter.”
(Previous pick - first mock)
R.J. White, CBS Sports - CB, Byron Murphy, Washington
“Murphy is a smart player capable of handling man-to-man or zone coverage, and his anticipation on routes should have him on the highlight reels often as he chases pick-sixes. Once teams get a good look at him, he could end up getting locked in to the top half of the first round. Pair him with Joe Haden and suddenly the Steelers have the talent to match up with any passing offense.”
(Previous pick - first mock)
Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports - CB, Deandre Baker, Georgia
“The Steelers need to better the secondary. It’s that simple. Baker may not be the fastest corner in the class. And that’s fine. He has an argument as the most NFL ready. He can thrive in zone and stick with receivers in man.”
(Previous pick - CB, Deandre Baker, Georgia)
Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports - CB, Deandre Baker, Georgia
“Baker may not be the athlete that Greedy Williams or Byron Murphy is, but he put up better college numbers. He shows good long speed, smooth hips, and the ability to change direction. He was rarely targeted during his senior season in part because his mirroring technique was superb. And with 2016 first-round pick Artie Burns getting benched for much of last season, finding his replacement will be a priority. ”
(Previous pick - CB, Byron Murphy, Washington)
Ben Standig, NBC Sports - LB, Devin Bush, Michigan
“The inevitable Antonio Brown trade puts receiver into the equation, though the Steelers often find their pass catcher Day 2 or later.”
“For now let’s stick with the clear needs. Edge rusher Bud Dupree has yet produce like a first-round pick and inside linebacker remains a focus in the wake of Ryan Shazier’s neck injury. Bush, the Big Ten DPOY offers three-down talent.”
Round 2 - CB, Trayvon Mullen, Clemson - “Cornerback ranks among the primary concerns after Pittsburgh benched 2016 first-round pick Artie Burns during the season.”
“Running back Le’Veon Bell’s situation could come into play on Day 2, though James Conner’s strong campaign may simply remove RB from the list altogether.”
(Previous pick - first mock)
Dan Kadar SB Nation - LB, Devin White, LSU
“White is the draft’s top true linebacker, and the Steelers shouldn’t hesitate to pick him if he’s around at No. 20 overall. White would add a dimension of playmaking ability on the second level the Steelers lost when Ryan Shazier got injured.”
Round 2 - QB, Will Grier, West Virginia - “Retirement talk has come up with Ben Roethlisberger the past two seasons, and the Steelers should find a successor to groom.”
(Previous pick - CB, Byron Murphy, Washington)
Joe Marino, Draft Network - CB, Byron Murphy, Washington
“With Artie Burns continuing to get torched left and right and Joe Haden’s contract expiring after next season, Pittsburgh needs to get the cornerback position right in a hurry. Coverage blunders became the norm for Pittsburgh last season and it has to stop.”
“Murphy is the best cornerback in the coming draft. He has lightning quick feet, fluid hips, explosive burst, ball skills and the overall coverage skills needed to become a lockdown guy in the NFL.”
(Previous pick - CB, Byron Murphy, Washington)
Cornerback Byron Murphy remains in the top spot as the most popular player to mock to the Steelers for a second week in a row, albeit in a tie with fellow cornerback Deandre Baker. Both are consensus top five players at their position and most experts have then coming off the boards in Round 1.
We will add more mock drafts to our weekly roundup as they appear and we encourage you to let us know which experts you think we should be highlighting over the next 11 weeks.