:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63364366/usa_today_11187951.0.jpg)
There are certainties in this life. Death, taxes and a constant disagreement regarding who NFL experts predict will be selected in the NFL Draft.
Of all the ‘draftniks’ ESPN’s crack crew of NFL Draft experts, primarily Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay, love to go back-and-forth as to who will go first overall, and how that will impact the rest of the first round of the Draft.
Every year they have the two experts go head-to-head in a two-round mock draft, and this year’s was interesting for who they predicted for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Both experts have the Steelers going all defense in the first two rounds of the selection process.
Take a look at their first round projections:
20. Pittsburgh Steelers
Kiper: Devin Bush, ILB, Michigan
Pittsburgh brought in Mark Barron in free agency, but he shouldn’t be a lock to start. Bush is a playmaker and every-down linebacker.
McShay: Greedy Williams, CB, LSU
The Steelers would love an edge rusher or a guy like Bush here, but there just aren’t solid options at No. 20. Williams’ length and speed ought to help him overcome his lower-end tackling skills.
While many will disagree with whether a player like Williams is worthy of a first round selection, take a look at who they have going to Pittsburgh in Round 2.
52. Pittsburgh Steelers
Kiper: Julian Love, CB, Notre Dame
If the Steelers don’t add a corner in Round 1, they’ll monitor the position on Day 2. There’s a need even after signing Steven Nelson in free agency.
McShay: Oshane Ximines, DE, Old Dominion
Pittsburgh tied for the league high in sacks in 2018 (52), but a good chunk of that came from the linebacking group. Ximines’ quick first step would give Mike Tomlin another pass-rushing weapon.
To summarize, here are their selections:
Kiper:
Round 1: Devin Bush
Round 2: Julian Love
McShay:
Round 1: Greedy Williams
Round 2: Oshane Ximines
We all know mock drafts are absolutely meaningless, but they do help create some conversation about what could possibly go down when the picks start flying off the board at the end of April. With that said, what do you think of the projected picks by Kiper and McShay? Let us know in the comment section below!