A few weeks ago, most of us were looking forward to key AFC North matchups and the potential of a home playoff game, but those vibes changed quickly following two consecutive ugly losses.<\/p>\n
Which can only mean one thing – it\u2019s mock draft season again!<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s who some of the top analysts have the Steelers drafting:<\/p>\n
QB Garrett Nussmeier, LSU <\/p>\n
\u201cGarrett Nussmeier is no longer in the No. 1 overall conversation, with injuries derailing his performance ceiling this year. I\u2019m not totally ready to admit defeat on Nussmeier\u2019s first-round prospects, however. The Pittsburgh Steelers will probably be drafting fairly late given Aaron Rodgers\u2019 current form, but they\u2019ll still need a replacement for the 41-year-old quarterback.\u201d<\/p>\n
WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State<\/p>\n
\u201cI have Tate going here, but if he continues the way he\u2019s played through the playoffs, he\u2019s going much higher than this. He\u2019s a true No. 1 receiver, even if he isn\u2019t for his own offense with Jeremiah Smith on the other side of him. He\u2019s caught 34 balls for 587 yards and six scores this season.\u201d<\/p>\n
OT Kayden Proctor, Alabama<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Steelers can\u2019t block, so they may try to resolve that problem with this pick. Kayden Proctor is a colossal, 360-pound blocker. He has great potential, but has some character concerns.\u201d<\/p>\n
QB Garrett Nussmeier, LSU<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Pittsburgh Steelers again feel like a good team and nothing more – they\u2019ll need to find a long-term QB solution after Aaron Rodgers retires, as GM Omar Khan simply has to take this position more seriously going forward.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe NFL Draft class doesn\u2019t appear to be all that stacked at the QB position, but Garrett Nussmeier has a lot of desirable tools to be a QB at the NFL level. And if Rodgers does retire this coming offseason, Pittsburgh could always pursue a veteran QB to serve as a bridge for a year or so.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFor years now, Pittsburgh has won just enough to get into the playoffs but haven\u2019t been able to make any progress when there. It\u2019s apparently the team\u2019s new standard, but most of us can see why that isn\u2019t sustainable.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe 2026 could be when the franchise grabs a first-round QB.\u201d<\/p>\n
CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee<\/p>\n
\u201cUnexpected circumstances have positioned the Steelers as the favorites to win the AFC North and secure a postseason berth in 2025, but there\u2019s still work to do before this team is a sustained contender year in and year out. Adding youth at CB is one such key.\u201d<\/p>\n