The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into the 2021 offseason. With free agency looming followed by the NFL draft in April, the Steelers will have a plethora of decisions and moves to make before making their first draft selection. With the NFL combine not being held and pro days as the best option to get player information, there may be limited information in regards to draft prospects this year.
When talking about mock drafts or NFL free agency, you have to first identify the team’s main needs for the offseason. Before any gains or losses in free agency, there are some who would like to see the Steelers go with either offensive line or running back with their first-round pick. Others feel tight end or linebacker could be on top of the list. With plenty of chances for the Steelers to shape their roster prior to April, their goal is usually to get into position to draft the best player available rather than target a specific position. When it comes to what position the team will select with their first pick, it is certainly up for debate.
In the latest two-round mock draft by CBSSports, they have the Steelers addressing the offensive tackle position before anything else. With three of the Steelers starters from 2020 over 30 and left tackle Alejandro Villanueva set to become a free agent in March, drafting this position or any other along the offensive line is understandable. Since the Steelers could go in any number of directions with their first selection, it is important to look at all the possibilities presented by various mock draft outlets.
Check out the Steelers 24th pick:
24. Pittsburgh Steelers | Spencer Brown | OT | UNI | SR |
Being early in the draft process, there may be some players most fans are not familiar with. If this is the case, here is a breakdown of Brown according to thedraftnetwork.com:
PROSPECT SUMMARY - SPENCER BROWN
Spencer Brown aligned at right tackle for UNI’s offense. He presents as a leggy, somewhat high-cut player with rare length for the position. He plays with a nasty disposition and plays hard from snap to whistle. He’s a good athlete with regard to balance and body control. He is smooth and fluid in his pass set and plays with the football IQ to use his length to his advantage on the edge. Although he has been sufficient in the FCS, he projects with average lateral mobility when redirecting inside against quicker athletes. However, his length and instincts help him recover, making him difficult to beat when his technique is good.
Ideal Role: Eventual starting right tackle.
Scheme Fit: Vertical passing scheme.
For all you who are preparing yourself for the draft, what do you think of the selection? Would you be on board with the Steelers taking Brown with their first pick? Or do you feel there is a better player at this position or a different one who may still be available? Personally, I don’t know what to think of Spencer Brown at this stage of the process. Playing for an FCS team, he did not have a season this fall to showcase his talent. While some don’t have him as a player in their top 150 for this reason, his athleticism is something many believe will have him shooting up many team’s boards come April.
As always, let us know your thoughts in the comment section below, and remember these mock drafts are merely speculation and caused to create discussion among the fan base.