Steelers 2020 NFL Draft Scenario: With Bud Dupree gone, who would you take?

The Pittsburgh Steelers don’t have a first round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, and to say it feels weird is an understatement. In fact, the Steelers only have one pick in the top 100. That sounds bad, but looking at overall draft picks they still have four in the top 120, if they get that 3rd round compensatory pick for Le’Veon Bell.

I am reminded by Drop The Hammer in his signature mock that the Black and Gold still have Minkah Fitzpatrick and Devin Bush on the roster.

On to what this is about.

I’m going give you 7 prospects at varying positions who could be available at Pick 49. I will also give some scenarios that involve the team losing potential free agents and some possible cuts. I will do my best to give prospects that fall within that pick range, but understand this is for draft discussion and not who is right and who is wrong. There will be a poll at the end of each article for voting but use the comment section to explain your vote.

This Week’s Scenario:

Bud Dupree is now a Free Agent.

Ramon Foster is cut.

Nick Vannett is retained.

Matt Feiler is retained.

Zach Banner is retained.

Mike Hilton no longer on the team.

This Week’s Prospects

J.K. Dobbins - RB Ohio State

The running back room is full, but the elephant in the room is the durability of James Conner. Dobbins has the goods - vision, patience and can catch the football out the backfield. It’s been a while since they have drafted a player from Buckeye Land.

Bradlee Anae - Edge Utah

T.J. Watt is a beast but that leaves Anthony Chickillo, Olasunkanmi Adeniyi, and Tuzar Skipper to fight for the rights to start opposite the All-Pro. Anae doesn’t have the length that one would like, but he came to play at the Senior Bowl. Nice use of hands which matches his intensity.

Antoine Winfield - Jr. Safety Minnesota

The starting safeties are in place with two former first rounders in Minkah Fitzpatrick and Terrell Edmunds. The depth at the position is sketchy at best, especially if an injury happens. Winfield Jr. understands the term splash play. Can line up in a number of positions - SS, FS and Nickel Corner. Solid Tackler too.

Terrell Lewis - Edge Alabama

No need to repeat the scenario at OLB. Lewis reminds me a lot of Bud Dupree, take that for what it’s worth. There is some burst, and length to free himself, but he is a project nonetheless.

K.J. Hamler - WR Penn State

The wide receiver room is also a little crowded, but there is an element to the group that is missing — and that’s speed. Small, but the guy has some wiggle in his game. Can get in and out of breaks with the best of them, will need scheming to get separation.

Cesar Ruiz - Center/Guard Michigan

There are two voids left by the departures of Foster and Finney. There is no left guard and no backup center. The possibility of Matt Feiler moving to the left guard spot is in play, but leaves a void at the right tackle spot. Ruiz is mobile for a big guy and has versatility all across the inside. Will get dinged for lack of length, but he versed in the run and pass.

Josh Jones Tackle Houston

There is a need for building for the future. Big Alejandro Villanueva is getting older and will be 32-33 by the end of his contract. Jones is a project but one that may be worth the investment with the right coaching and patience. Has great mobility size and length.