6 Bold Steelers Predictions: Pre-NFL Draft Edition

We are full steam ahead barreling toward the 2021 NFL Draft, while teams’ big boards are virtually locked in, fans will be left in the dark until selections are made. To help make the time pass, I present you some bold Steelers related takes for the draft and beyond.

The Steelers Top-2 running backs aren't on the roster yet

Not only will the Pittsburgh Steelers select a running back early in the draft, but they will also opt to sign veteran free agent to mentor and be the primary backup to that rookie. Names like Adrian Peterson and Todd Gurley are still looking for work, and have experience being the number two to up-and-comers.

The Steelers won't take a Center until Day 3

This has less to do with the Steelers snubbing a Center and more to do with the Centers of the draft being off the board before the Steelers can take one. The Steelers have also told B.J. Finney the starting job is his to lose, so I imagine the Steelers are banking on taking a center in the later rounds. Names like Josh Myers and Trey Hill immediately jump to mind.

A projected Top 10 pick will be available at 24

Someone is going to fall in this draft, we should know this by now. With some players opting out, we just don’t have the same insights NFL teams do. I imagine someone seen as a third round pick to fans may end up being a first rounder come the draft, but I also think someone who was expected to go in the top half of the draft to fall way past fan and media projections.

The Steelers will take a defender with one of their first three picks

This is the Pittsburgh Steelers we’re talking about. They love taking defensive players. Nearly every first round pick the last decade has been used on a defender. While the first rounder may change, the team will see some value in the defensive side of the football early in the draft.

The Steelers will trade back in the first round

The Steelers haven't done this in 20 years. But, the team desperately needs extra picks. The only way they can pull this off is by trading back, and I imagine this is exactly what they will do, if presented with the opportunity. An extra second or third rounder could fill another need for this team. Which, for the amount of holes they have, would be a game changer.

And trade up in the second

If the Steelers aren't able to draft a runner in the first round, they will absolutely need to leap frog some teams to ensure a running back is added to this roster with Day 1 starting capabilities. After they add some picks they can use a late rounder to make a jump back up the order. This should be a busy draft for Kevin Colbert and company.

But what do you think? What are your bold Steelers draft takes? Let us know your thoughts down in the comments below.