Mock draft

[SteelerFan448]

I’m aligned with your second third and fourth pics, but not the first and fifth one
Much rather have Lemon in the first than Tate. In fact, I would not even draft Tate in 1st round.. I think he’s overrated.
I believe lemon is a pro bowler waiting to happen.
And I would pass on the Penn State quarterback… after watching the shrine bowl practices and the game, there are some interesting mid the late round quarterbacks in this draft. Several of them did better than I expected, both in practice and in the game.

I would too, but he wasn't available for my pick. He's probably at the top of my realistic draft board.

Tate overrated? What don't you like about him. I know you don't draft the school, you draft the players...those OSU are usually really good.

Which QBs do you like? I'm not a fan of these 6'1" 200 lbers in this draft, worried about long-term health.

 

[WindyCitySteel]

Took a good look at the QB prospects:

If the Steelers want Simpson if, they will probably have to leap frog the Jets 2nd 1st round pick. I am ok with that probably would only cost a 3rd.

If they don’t trade up and he doesn’t fall to 21 I am all for taking a shot at Nuss in the third. Like what he did before his down year.

No QB Chambliss size has ever won multiple SBs. For me that drops him down below Nuss. I would take him if the other two weren’t available… no earlier than round 3.

Nuss and Chambliss are almost identical in size - 6'1", 200 vs 205 lbs.

 

[WindyCitySteel]

I would too, but he wasn't available for my pick. He's probably at the top of my realistic draft board.

Tate overrated? What don't you like about him. I know you don't draft the school, you draft the players...those OSU are usually really good.

Which QBs do you like? I'm not a fan of these 6'1" 200 lbers in this draft, worried about long-term health.

Tate is a stud and a good kid. I asked for a pro comp, AI came up with this.

Key Professional Comparisons:

• Davante Adams: Similar to Adams coming out of Fresno State, Tate relies on nuanced route running, excellent hands, and separation ability rather than elite top-end speed.
• Devonta Smith: Tate is viewed as a slightly larger version of Smith, possessing incredible reliability, a zero-percent drop rate on catchable balls, and the ability to dominate intermediate routes.
• CeeDee Lamb: Due to his high-level ability to win in contested catch situations and strong, reliable hands, some analysts equate his potential to that of Lamb.
• Nico Collins/Michael Pittman: His physical, intermediate-to-deep game also draws comparisons to receivers who excel in using their frame to shield defenders, such as Pittman, notes Riggo's Rag.

 

[steel dino]

I would too, but he wasn't available for my pick. He's probably at the top of my realistic draft board.

Tate overrated? What don't you like about him. I know you don't draft the school, you draft the players...those OSU are usually really good.

Which QBs do you like? I'm not a fan of these 6'1" 200 lbers in this draft, worried about long-term health.

Tate’s negatives to me are his speed he’s not gonna run by anybody in the NFL, also I’m concerned about his durability with the big boys. Body type does not lend itself to being very capable of staying healthy over the course of a season, in addition, the kid just is a horrible blocker. Don’t know if he could get coached up on that but from what I’ve seen of him and heard others say he tries, but he’s not very successful, probably because he doesn’t have the strength to be or body type to be successful blocking.
Solid kid, but I wouldn’t give him a first round grade.

For quarterbacks, I’m a day three guy with quarterbacks if we do draft one..I really don’t like any of the so-called top 10 coming out. These guys I like are kinda outside the top 10.
The three I like are Fagnano out of Connecticut, Gronowski, Iowa, and the kid out of North Dakota state Peyton Cole.

 

[SteelerFan448]

Tate’s negatives to me are his speed he’s not gonna run by anybody in the NFL, also I’m concerned about his durability with the big boys. Body type does not lend itself to being very capable of staying healthy over the course of a season, in addition, the kid just is a horrible blocker. Don’t know if he could get coached up on that but from what I’ve seen of him and heard others say he tries, but he’s not very successful, probably because he doesn’t have the strength to be or body type to be successful blocking.
Solid kid, but I wouldn’t give him a first round grade.

For quarterbacks, I’m a day three guy with quarterbacks if we do draft one..I really don’t like any of the so-called top 10 coming out. These guys I like are kinda outside the top 10.
The three I like are Fagnano out of Connecticut, Gronowski, Iowa, and the kid out of North Dakota state Peyton Cole.

Interesting breakdown.

NFL.com's first positive on Tate:

• Plus agility, speed and body control.

Even if he's not a burner, crafty route runners are more dangerous players than one-trick ponies. He's nearly the same size as George Pickens, is there something that happened at Ohio State with injuries that led to this concern? I watch a lot of games, just don't follow them that closely week to week.

 

[slashsteel]

Interesting breakdown.

NFL.com's first positive on Tate:

• Plus agility, speed and body control.

Even if he's not a burner, crafty route runners are more dangerous players than one-trick ponies. He's nearly the same size as George Pickens, is there something that happened at Ohio State with injuries that led to this concern? I watch a lot of games, just don't follow them that closely week to week.

We need to get a few of those Ohio state fans to chime in see what they think ..

I haven’t seen them week to week either.

 

[WindyCitySteel]

We need to get a few of those Ohio state fans to chime in see what they think ..

I haven’t seen them week to week either.

He had a soft tissue injury that held him out of 3-4 games before the Mich game, none of which they were at risk of losing without him. He's going to go before 21 unless he tests poorly.

Good student, great player, great team guy. He'll be a star on the right team. Bigger version of Olave.

 

[slashsteel]

• 21
  
  
  
  Makai Lemon
  WR | USC
  A+
• 53
  
  
  
  A.J. Haulcy
  S | LSU
  B
• 76
  
  
  
  Garrett Nussmeier
  QB | LSU
  A+
• 85
  
  
  
  Darrell Jackson Jr.
  DL | Florida State
  A
• 99
  
  
  
  Jacob Rodriguez
  LB | Texas Tech
  A
• 121
  
  
  
  Kaytron Allen
  RB | Penn State
  B+
• 135
  
  
  
  D.J. Campbell
  IOL | Texas
  A+
• 159
  
  
  
  Beau Stephens
  IOL | Iowa
  B+
• 213
  
  
  
  Josh Cameron
  WR | Baylor
  B+
• 214
  
  
  
  Lewis Bond
  WR | Boston College
  D
• 224
  
  
  
  Sam Roush
  TE | Stanford
  A+
• 237
  
  
  
  Ryan Eckley
  P | Michigan State
  C

 

[Papa Lazarou]

• 21
  
  
  
  Ty Simpson
  QB | Alabama
  A
• 53
  
  
  
  Jadarian Price
  RB | Notre Dame
  C+
• 76
  
  
  
  A.J. Haulcy
  S | LSU
  A+
• 85
  
  
  
  Malachi Fields
  WR | Notre Dame
  A+
• 99
  
  
  
  Jacob Rodriguez
  LB | Texas Tech
  B
• 121
  
  
  
  Keylan Rutledge
  IOL | Georgia Tech
  A
• 135
  
  
  
  Drew Shelton
  OT | Penn State
  A+
• 159
  
  
  
  Gracen Halton
  DL | Oklahoma
  A
• 213
  
  
  
  Kevin Coleman Jr.
  WR | Missouri
  B+
• 214
  
  
  
  Sam Roush
  TE | Stanford
  A
• 224
  
  
  
  Ephesians Prysock
  CB | Washington
  A+
• 237
  
  
  
  Mason Reiger
  EDGE | Wisconsin
  C

 

[slashsteel]

• 21
  
  
  
  Ty Simpson
  QB | Alabama
  A
• 53
  
  
  
  Jadarian Price
  RB | Notre Dame
  C+
• 76
  
  
  
  A.J. Haulcy
  S | LSU
  A+
• 85
  
  
  
  Malachi Fields
  WR | Notre Dame
  A+
• 99
  
  
  
  Jacob Rodriguez
  LB | Texas Tech
  B
• 121
  
  
  
  Keylan Rutledge
  IOL | Georgia Tech
  A
• 135
  
  
  
  Drew Shelton
  OT | Penn State
  A+
• 159
  
  
  
  Gracen Halton
  DL | Oklahoma
  A
• 213
  
  
  
  Kevin Coleman Jr.
  WR | Missouri
  B+
• 214
  
  
  
  Sam Roush
  TE | Stanford
  A
• 224
  
  
  
  Ephesians Prysock
  CB | Washington
  A+
• 237
  
  
  
  Mason Reiger
  EDGE | Wisconsin
  C

I really like Rodriguez and Rutledge. Still in my learning phase but those two definitely up on.

 

[Papa Lazarou]

Not really a fan of Ty Simpson but, sadly, I fear that is who they will take this year in the first round. Therefore, I am attempting my mock drafts, at the moment, with Simpson as the first round pick (where available). I may have to take him earlier and burn draft capital which I think is daft. I would rather fix other positions, such as, Safety, Wide Receiver, Defensive Line, Guard, ILB and build draft capital for 2027 (when the QB position is said to be much better). Mason, Will, plus one other yet to be named QB can have a go in 2026 to see what is there when given a proper supporting cast. That said, it is on the Steelers' front office to sort out the mess that they have created for themselves and not me. All I can do is sit back and watch and hope they don't screw it up further.

 

[slashsteel]

Not really a fan of Ty Simpson but, sadly, I fear that is who they will take this year in the first round. Therefore, I am attempting my mock drafts, at the moment, with Simpson as the first round pick (where available). I may have to take him earlier and burn draft capital which I think is daft. I would rather fix other positions, such as, Safety, Wide Receiver, Defensive Line, Guard, ILB and build draft capital for 2027 (when the QB position is said to be much better). Mason, Will, plus one other yet to be named QB can have a go in 2026 to see what is there when given a proper supporting cast. That said, it is on the Steelers' front office to sort out the mess that they have created for themselves and not me. All I can do is sit back and watch and hope they don't screw it up further.

I am thinking it just depends on AR and ultimately how they view Simpson. If they have a doubt maybe they go QB in round 3 or wait until next years draft.

I think his odds of getting drafted might increase if AR doesn’t return. As then if things are close with say their view of any other QB not named Ty perhaps they don’t see the value in it. With greater needs at WR, etc.

Remember the way the Steelers usually draft is BPA of need positions. So if the BPA is say WR , etc. I am thinking they pull that trigger.

 

[SteelerFan448]

Did not plan for this to be dominated by defensive picks, just better value than the offensive players available.

1.21 Kayden McDonald, IDL, Ohio State
Keeping in line with Weidl building the trenches, here's a massive lineman who can plug the middle and allow Benton to fill a different role on the defense.

2.53 Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
I keep reading he is going to rise during the draft process. Good hands and YAC ability. I think he can be a high-volume chain mover/receiver who gets 7 when you need 6 on third down, which is what the Steelers have been missing.

3.76 Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
Trying to find an upside CB with potential to start. After the top 4-5 CBs, rankings are all over the place. Plays physical and read numerous positive reviews from the Senior Bowl.

3.85 Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
Tackling and turnover machine at TTU. He had 7 FF last year, which would fit in well with a defense that loves to force turnovers.

3.99 Jalon Kilgore, DB, South Carolina
He's listed as a safety or NCB, both are needs. Scouting reports call him a physical DB, a must for this defense.

4.121 Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan
Trying to find another pass rushing steal in the 4th round. They got Herbig a few years ago, not going to pass up Moore right here.

4.135 Ar'maj Reed-Adams, G, Texas A&M
Starting experience at RG, LG, and RT. The goal is to develop him at LG, at worst, he becomes a swing backup.

5.159 Roman Hemby, RB, Indiana
Good speed, protects the ball, and is a capable catching the ball out of the backfield. Very productive season for the national champs.

6.213 Kyle Louis, LB, Pitt
Louis is was a linebacker at Pitt, could possibly shift to play safety or a versatile role in the NFL. He's a playmaker who is strong in coverage.

6.214 Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
Good value here late in the draft. Terrific size.

7.224 Dan Villari, TE, Syracuse
Adding TE depth late.

7.237 Delby Lemieux, OL, Dartmouth
Trying to find a small school gem late in the draft. Looking for interior depth.

 

[slashsteel]

Did not plan for this to be dominated by defensive picks, just better value than the offensive players available.

1.21 Kayden McDonald, IDL, Ohio State
Keeping in line with Weidl building the trenches, here's a massive lineman who can plug the middle and allow Benton to fill a different role on the defense.

2.53 Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
I keep reading he is going to rise during the draft process. Good hands and YAC ability. I think he can be a high-volume chain mover/receiver who gets 7 when you need 6 on third down, which is what the Steelers have been missing.

3.76 Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
Trying to find an upside CB with potential to start. After the top 4-5 CBs, rankings are all over the place. Plays physical and read numerous positive reviews from the Senior Bowl.

3.85 Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
Tackling and turnover machine at TTU. He had 7 FF last year, which would fit in well with a defense that loves to force turnovers.

3.99 Jalon Kilgore, DB, South Carolina
He's listed as a safety or NCB, both are needs. Scouting reports call him a physical DB, a must for this defense.

4.121 Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan
Trying to find another pass rushing steal in the 4th round. They got Herbig a few years ago, not going to pass up Moore right here.

4.135 Ar'maj Reed-Adams, G, Texas A&M
Starting experience at RG, LG, and RT. The goal is to develop him at LG, at worst, he becomes a swing backup.

5.159 Roman Hemby, RB, Indiana
Good speed, protects the ball, and is a capable catching the ball out of the backfield. Very productive season for the national champs.

6.213 Kyle Louis, LB, Pitt
Louis is was a linebacker at Pitt, could possibly shift to play safety or a versatile role in the NFL. He's a playmaker who is strong in coverage.

6.214 Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
Good value here late in the draft. Terrific size.

7.224 Dan Villari, TE, Syracuse
Adding TE depth late.

7.237 Delby Lemieux, OL, Dartmouth
Trying to find a small school gem late in the draft. Looking for interior depth.

I presume you are saying draft McDonald to play NT day 1 and move Benton to DE. I like that pick and plan.

 

[KStilley]

• 21
  
  
  
  Makai Lemon
  WR | USC
  A+
• 53
  
  
  
  Lee Hunter
  DL | Texas Tech
  A
• 76
  
  
  
  A.J. Haulcy
  S | LSU
  A+
• 85
  
  
  
  Garrett Nussmeier
  QB | LSU
  A+
• 99
  
  
  
  Keylan Rutledge
  IOL | Georgia Tech
  B+
• 121
  
  
  
  Kaytron Allen
  RB | Penn State
  A
• 135
  
  
  
  Treydan Stukes
  CB | Arizona

If we grabbed those first three picks and Rutledge, I’d be ecstatic

 

[Papa Lazarou]

4.121 Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan
Trying to find another pass rushing steal in the 4th round. They got Herbig a few years ago, not going to pass up Moore right here.

You might want to take a look at Mason Reiger out of Wisconsin. He is supposedly rising up draft boards.