2021 NFL Mock Draft: The Steelers get a top offensive tackle with their first pick

The 2021 NFL draft is now only three days away, signifying the final Mock Draft Monday of the 2021 NFL offseason. With all attention on the upcoming NFL draft, the Steelers will have a lot of different draft scenarios which could shake out before making their first draft selection. Because the NFL combine was not held, pro days were the best option to get player information. With all of these pro days concluded, it’s still difficult to gauge which players will move up draft boards while others fall.

When talking about mock drafts or NFL free agency, you have to first identify the team’s main needs for the offseason. 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 other positions such as linebacker could be on top of the list. With the Steelers having shaped their roster to prepare for the draft, their goal is usually to get in a 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.

Being the final of 15 Mock Draft Mondays, it was nice to find a mock where the Steelers were able to get a quality player we had yet to cover. In the latest mock draft by CBSSports.com, they have the Steelers having the opporunity to land one of the top offensive tackles in this year’s draf. It should also be noted this particular mock also had the Steelers selecting center Creed Humphrey in the second round. 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.

It should be noted that even though this particular mock was published on Friday afternoon, it did not yet reflect the trade between the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens.

Check out the Steelers 24th pick:

24. Pittsburgh Steelers | Christian Darrisaw| OT | Virginia Tech | SR |

Even though the draft process has been going on for a while, there may be players some fans are not familiar with. If this is the case, here is a breakdown of Darrisaw according to thedraftnetwork.com:

Virginia Tech offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw earned the opportunity to start for the Hokies as a true freshman and did nothing but improve for three seasons, developing into a dominant blocker in 2020. From a size, length, and mobility standpoint, Darrisaw firmly checks the boxes and should immediately become an asset to an NFL franchise in pass protection, outside zone runs, and utilizing his exceptional ability to pull and connect with moving targets in space. Like most young offensive linemen, Darrisaw has room to add functional strength to improve his overall power at the point of attack, but it’s far from a deficiency that is of major concern. The amount of technical growth Darrisaw has demonstrated throughout the course of his career is exciting when considering his starting point for the next level and how he peaked at the perfect time. It shouldn’t take long for Darrisaw to earn a starting role in the NFL and he has the upside to become a standout, franchise left tackle.

Ideal Role: Starting left tackle

Scheme Fit: Zone run 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 Darrisaw with their first pick? Or do you feel the Steelers should look at a different offensive tackle, either in Round 1 or later on in the draft? Personally, this would be a perfect scenario of the Steelers taking the best player available at a position of need. While needs at running back or center may be more pressing, passing up the chance to draft Darrisaw at 24 would be highly questionable. I doubt the Steelers are planning on Darrisaw being available, but would welcome the chance to put him in Black & Gold. I think it would be a lot like a David Decastro situation in 2012 where he wasn’t projected to the Steelers because it was assumed he would be gone. But someone is going to have to still be there at 24, and if it’s Darrisaw then the Steelers would be getting a steal.

For one last time, 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.