This will be my first year having my mock with two Buckeyes in the first two rounds. But, I truly believe it could end up falling like this. I do not see the Steelers spending a first rounder on a safety who is injured, and he won't be there in the second. I don't see the Steelers taking DL in the first because the draft is deep on DL, and there is such a superb need in the secondary. There is a major fall off for DB talent after Apple.
1.25 CB Eli Apple-DB-tOSU-Fast, can cover, can tackle, good size, good hands. He checks all the right boxes. Apple can play make no mistake. The Steelers love Buckeyes and they love measureables. If Apple is here and no freak falls I'm convinced he is the pick.
2.58 SS Vonn Bell-DB tOSU-I struggled with this pick because I like Joseph but he wont make it this far. If he does...the Steelers will fall over themselves to grab him. I initially had Cash rated a but higher than Bell but after watching more video on Cash I believe his coverage will be a serious liability. Bell was always around the ball, making plays for the Buckeyes. He can tackle, cover, hit, and make plays on the ball. I love the guy. And the more video I watch of Bell the more I believe he is underrated. I think he is a late first/high second talent who will have a very productive pro career.
3.89 DT Javon Hargrave-SC State-Big and can really move. This guy has a unique size/quickness combo that you can't teach. He has all the physical tools to be dominant at the next level. While the talent he played against will be a concern, if he played for Bama or the Buckeyes he would be graded as a late first talent. He will need a year to adjust but I expect he could flash his freakish athleticism early.
4.123 RB-Tyler Erwin-San Jose State-I'm hearing rumors that the Steelers are looking to add a running back. Bell is in his last year of his contract and will want paid. Williams is long in the tooth. They may even look at the kid from Utah in the second. But, we have more serious need to address and I expect them to grab Erwin who IMO is a terrific #2 type back. No, I don't believe he can shoulder an offense but I was impressed with his vision, speed and quickness.
6-Yannick Ngakoue-OLB Maryland, VERY quick, and powerful edge rusher. IMO, he is a bit underrated falling to the 6th round. He is a guy who could make the squad and contribute year 1. You could insert him into the rotation and just tell him to get after the QB. He needs more moves, more understanding and improvement in his run D. With that said, he is big, fast and strong. There is no reason he couldn't turn into a strong Steeler contributor early.
7.229 WR Geronimo Allison-Ilinois-tall and will compete for the ball. We all know the Steelers like to add a WR every draft. Allison needs to add some weight but has some soft hands. I liked what I seen of him.
7.246 QB-Cody Kessler-USC-Nothing real spectacular about Kessler, and I don't believe him to ever be starter material. With that said, I'm fairly sure the Steelers will bring in a late round QB to groom and place on the PS. Kessler seems to make good decisions with the ball and could become a quality back up at the next level.
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