By user demand at Planet Steeler, here is my mock with a tread for Nix.
Steelers trade the 2nd and 4th round picks to move up to the 10th or better overall draft pick to select Nix. Trade is on draft day! Bears ( 9th pick or Jets 10th pick ) are the best trading partners. I offer the deal when both teams are on the board offering the trade at the 8th overall pick or the draft giving them both time to think about it.
We have signed quality guys at WR, S, and LB so I won't be drafting those spots:
Russell Wilson, QBWilson will sign a one-year deal for the veteran's minimum, which is $1.2 million.What it means: Wilson will get a chance to resurrect his career, while the Steelers have an immediate upgrade at the position. Though there will still be a quarterback competition for the starting job, signing Wilson signals the Steelers don't have the "full faith" in Kenny Pickett that general manager Omar Khan expressed less than two weeks ago..
Cameron Johnston, PJohnston will join the Steelers after three seasons in Houston.What it means: The Steelers released punter Pressley Harvin prior to the start of free agency, creating an obvious need at the position. A Ray Guy Award winner in college, Harvin was inconsistent in three seasons in Pittsburgh, averaging 43.7 yards per punt over his career. Johnston, meanwhile, has a 47.3 career average over six seasons. Most recently with the Texans, Johnston led the league with 88 punts for 4,108 yards in 2021.What's the risk: There's not one. The Steelers had a need at the position, and Johnston is a solid veteran option who offers a clear upgrade from Harvin.
Patrick Queen, LBQueen will sign a 3-year, $41 million dealWhat it means: Now this is a splashy move. The Steelers did the anti-Steeler thing and secured the top inside linebacker free agent with a three-year, $41 million deal -- not only solidifying the middle of their defense, but taking one of their intra-division rivals' best players to do it. Restocking the inside linebacker corps was a priority this free agency after serious injuries -- ones without a clear recovery timeline -- decimated the position. Queen is a complete linebacker and excels in coverage and run defense, and he's especially necessary to compete in a division that just added RB Derrick Henry.What's the risk: There's not much of one. This signing has all the upside and little downside. Sure, there's a three-year commitment to Queen, but he's started 17 games each of the last three seasons and 16 in his rookie year. And according to NFL Next Gen Stats, he led all linebackers with 20 quick pressures last season, and generated a 25.5% pressure rate -- sixth-highest among all linebackers. Make no mistake: this is a big win for Pittsburgh.
Donte Jackson, CBJackson is under contract through the 2024 seasonWhat it means: The Steelers shipped their most experienced receiver and longest-tenured offensive player in Diontae Johnson along with a seventh-round pick to acquire Jackson and a sixth-round pick from the Panthers. That signals two things: the Steelers were willing to do whatever it took to move Johnson, who while a top-tier route runner was also a frustrating player at times with his streaky production and lapses in effort, and also that the team prioritized adding a veteran corner to help Joey Porter Jr.What's the risk: With a cap hit of more than $10 million and just one year left on his contract, Jackson isn't cheap or a guaranteed long-term solution. He had a season-ending Achilles injury in 2022, but rebounded to start 16 games in 2023. The Panthers, though, were already planning to move on from Jackson, and even so, the Steelers gave up one of their best trade assets to net him and a late-round pick. Johnson could've garnered a bigger haul from other teams, but the Steelers seemed determined to keep him out of the AFC. And while Jackson fills a position of need, the Steelers will still likely target adding at least one more cornerback to the group.
DeShon Elliott, S. Elliott, formerly with the Dolphins, signed a two-year dealWhat it means: The Steelers have an All-Pro safety in Minkah Fitzpatrick, but the rest of the position is pretty thin, especially after the release of veteran Keanu Neal. The position also got demolished by injuries throughout the season, but the team found depth in Trenton Thompson and once-retired safety Eric Rowe. Adding Elliott, a veteran with starting experience, gives the team quality depth and flexibility, but they also likely need to keep adding to the secondary.What's the risk: The Steelers signed Damontae Kazee to a similar deal a year ago. It's an inexpensive signing at a position of need, and Elliott is coming off a season with an interception and 82 tackles. Plus, as a versatile defender, Elliott can play snaps at free safety, strong safety and slot, if needed. It's a low-risk signing
Van Jefferson, WR . The Steelers signed the former Falcon and Ram to a one-year dealWhat it means: With the Steelers moving on from two wide receivers from the 2023 roster, Jefferson's signing is all about depth. Following new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith from Atlanta, Jefferson arrives in Pittsburgh a couple years removed from winning the Super Bowl with the L.A. Rams. In that Super Bowl-winning season, Jefferson recorded a career-best 802 receiving yards and six touchdowns.What's the risk: Adding Jefferson on a one-year deal as a depth piece to fill a role is a smart and safe move -- especially since his cap hit will likely be much less than Allen Robinson II's $12 million hit prior to his release.
Quez Watkins, WR The former Eagle Watkins signed a one-year dealWhat it means: The Steelers keep adding depth wide receivers in an effort to fill out a room down several contributors after free agency. Watkins, though, isn't a No. 1 or No. 2 receiver, meaning the Steelers are still likely targeting a top-flight receiver in the draft later this month. A speedy threat, Watkins was the No. 3 receiver in Philadelphia behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. He'll likely vie with Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson for the same title in Pittsburgh - plus whoever the team adds in the draft.What's the risk: Much of Watkins time in Philadelphia was overshadowed by drops and fumbles, and he'll have to clean that up to get on - and stay on -- the field in Pittsburgh. A 2020 sixth-round pick, Watkins is still relatively early on in his career and a good wide receivers coach and system could clean up those mistakes and make him a good value signing.
Cordarrelle Patterson, WR/ KR The former Falcon Patterson signed a two-year dealWhat it means: Hours after the league approved changes to the kickoff rules meant to increase the number of kickoffs, the Steelers signed one of the most prolific returners in the league. Patterson, 33, has nine career kickoffs returned for touchdowns, and he's been voted first-team All-Pro four times. As a running back, Patterson is also familiar with new Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith after spending the last three seasons in Atlanta
DL. Lowry, selected by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round of the 2016 draft, is more depth on a defensive line that dealt with several injuries last season. .
QB Kyle Allen. Camp arm who started a few games in his career.
Now here goes my trade mock draft:
Round one. QB Nix. Both a cap saving move for 2025, 2026, and 2027 Steelers and big need as we currently do not have a QB signed for 2025 and beyond. And who wants to PAY open market QB money for the second or 4th contracts for Fields and Wilson? I don't think so. Nix stats speak for themselves. He is a quick bodied and minded QB, with a good release and decnet arm. Can run too. Big hands. Good on play action, he fits the NFL modern passing game. He makes very few BAD throws and is seldom picked off. We need a very good franchise level QB to win a playoff game which we have done in the past seven years.
Round 3a Center Zak Zinter. A big bodied and wide shoulder strong man, who excels on one blocking, can anchor well and offer some pulling ability to block on the second level. He has a high football IQ. He is ready to start. I would pick a higher rated center if they were there...
Round 3B OT Blake Fisher, A good OT prospect. We need depth and a player under contact for 2025. He did a good job as a pass block and run blocker. He will be much need depth in 2024, possibly a starter at right tackle and a cheap long term solution.
Round 6a Dwight McGlothern , CB. Highest graded cornerback among all Power 5 programs and second nationally according to Pro Football Focus with a 91.3 grade. He is big and ran fairly well at the combine
Round 6b. DL. Justin Ebelgbe A big 5 technique lineman , who can play the run well. A solid DL as a sub
With Free agency . ( Cornerback was addressed with Donte Jackson trade ) and this mock draft I feel the Steeler will be in position to make a playoff run.
Steelers trade the 2nd and 4th round picks to move up to the 10th or better overall draft pick to select Nix. Trade is on draft day! Bears ( 9th pick or Jets 10th pick ) are the best trading partners. I offer the deal when both teams are on the board offering the trade at the 8th overall pick or the draft giving them both time to think about it.
We have signed quality guys at WR, S, and LB so I won't be drafting those spots:
Russell Wilson, QBWilson will sign a one-year deal for the veteran's minimum, which is $1.2 million.What it means: Wilson will get a chance to resurrect his career, while the Steelers have an immediate upgrade at the position. Though there will still be a quarterback competition for the starting job, signing Wilson signals the Steelers don't have the "full faith" in Kenny Pickett that general manager Omar Khan expressed less than two weeks ago..
Cameron Johnston, PJohnston will join the Steelers after three seasons in Houston.What it means: The Steelers released punter Pressley Harvin prior to the start of free agency, creating an obvious need at the position. A Ray Guy Award winner in college, Harvin was inconsistent in three seasons in Pittsburgh, averaging 43.7 yards per punt over his career. Johnston, meanwhile, has a 47.3 career average over six seasons. Most recently with the Texans, Johnston led the league with 88 punts for 4,108 yards in 2021.What's the risk: There's not one. The Steelers had a need at the position, and Johnston is a solid veteran option who offers a clear upgrade from Harvin.
Patrick Queen, LBQueen will sign a 3-year, $41 million dealWhat it means: Now this is a splashy move. The Steelers did the anti-Steeler thing and secured the top inside linebacker free agent with a three-year, $41 million deal -- not only solidifying the middle of their defense, but taking one of their intra-division rivals' best players to do it. Restocking the inside linebacker corps was a priority this free agency after serious injuries -- ones without a clear recovery timeline -- decimated the position. Queen is a complete linebacker and excels in coverage and run defense, and he's especially necessary to compete in a division that just added RB Derrick Henry.What's the risk: There's not much of one. This signing has all the upside and little downside. Sure, there's a three-year commitment to Queen, but he's started 17 games each of the last three seasons and 16 in his rookie year. And according to NFL Next Gen Stats, he led all linebackers with 20 quick pressures last season, and generated a 25.5% pressure rate -- sixth-highest among all linebackers. Make no mistake: this is a big win for Pittsburgh.
Donte Jackson, CBJackson is under contract through the 2024 seasonWhat it means: The Steelers shipped their most experienced receiver and longest-tenured offensive player in Diontae Johnson along with a seventh-round pick to acquire Jackson and a sixth-round pick from the Panthers. That signals two things: the Steelers were willing to do whatever it took to move Johnson, who while a top-tier route runner was also a frustrating player at times with his streaky production and lapses in effort, and also that the team prioritized adding a veteran corner to help Joey Porter Jr.What's the risk: With a cap hit of more than $10 million and just one year left on his contract, Jackson isn't cheap or a guaranteed long-term solution. He had a season-ending Achilles injury in 2022, but rebounded to start 16 games in 2023. The Panthers, though, were already planning to move on from Jackson, and even so, the Steelers gave up one of their best trade assets to net him and a late-round pick. Johnson could've garnered a bigger haul from other teams, but the Steelers seemed determined to keep him out of the AFC. And while Jackson fills a position of need, the Steelers will still likely target adding at least one more cornerback to the group.
DeShon Elliott, S. Elliott, formerly with the Dolphins, signed a two-year dealWhat it means: The Steelers have an All-Pro safety in Minkah Fitzpatrick, but the rest of the position is pretty thin, especially after the release of veteran Keanu Neal. The position also got demolished by injuries throughout the season, but the team found depth in Trenton Thompson and once-retired safety Eric Rowe. Adding Elliott, a veteran with starting experience, gives the team quality depth and flexibility, but they also likely need to keep adding to the secondary.What's the risk: The Steelers signed Damontae Kazee to a similar deal a year ago. It's an inexpensive signing at a position of need, and Elliott is coming off a season with an interception and 82 tackles. Plus, as a versatile defender, Elliott can play snaps at free safety, strong safety and slot, if needed. It's a low-risk signing
Van Jefferson, WR . The Steelers signed the former Falcon and Ram to a one-year dealWhat it means: With the Steelers moving on from two wide receivers from the 2023 roster, Jefferson's signing is all about depth. Following new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith from Atlanta, Jefferson arrives in Pittsburgh a couple years removed from winning the Super Bowl with the L.A. Rams. In that Super Bowl-winning season, Jefferson recorded a career-best 802 receiving yards and six touchdowns.What's the risk: Adding Jefferson on a one-year deal as a depth piece to fill a role is a smart and safe move -- especially since his cap hit will likely be much less than Allen Robinson II's $12 million hit prior to his release.
Quez Watkins, WR The former Eagle Watkins signed a one-year dealWhat it means: The Steelers keep adding depth wide receivers in an effort to fill out a room down several contributors after free agency. Watkins, though, isn't a No. 1 or No. 2 receiver, meaning the Steelers are still likely targeting a top-flight receiver in the draft later this month. A speedy threat, Watkins was the No. 3 receiver in Philadelphia behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. He'll likely vie with Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson for the same title in Pittsburgh - plus whoever the team adds in the draft.What's the risk: Much of Watkins time in Philadelphia was overshadowed by drops and fumbles, and he'll have to clean that up to get on - and stay on -- the field in Pittsburgh. A 2020 sixth-round pick, Watkins is still relatively early on in his career and a good wide receivers coach and system could clean up those mistakes and make him a good value signing.
Cordarrelle Patterson, WR/ KR The former Falcon Patterson signed a two-year dealWhat it means: Hours after the league approved changes to the kickoff rules meant to increase the number of kickoffs, the Steelers signed one of the most prolific returners in the league. Patterson, 33, has nine career kickoffs returned for touchdowns, and he's been voted first-team All-Pro four times. As a running back, Patterson is also familiar with new Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith after spending the last three seasons in Atlanta
DL. Lowry, selected by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round of the 2016 draft, is more depth on a defensive line that dealt with several injuries last season. .
QB Kyle Allen. Camp arm who started a few games in his career.
Now here goes my trade mock draft:
Round one. QB Nix. Both a cap saving move for 2025, 2026, and 2027 Steelers and big need as we currently do not have a QB signed for 2025 and beyond. And who wants to PAY open market QB money for the second or 4th contracts for Fields and Wilson? I don't think so. Nix stats speak for themselves. He is a quick bodied and minded QB, with a good release and decnet arm. Can run too. Big hands. Good on play action, he fits the NFL modern passing game. He makes very few BAD throws and is seldom picked off. We need a very good franchise level QB to win a playoff game which we have done in the past seven years.
Round 3a Center Zak Zinter. A big bodied and wide shoulder strong man, who excels on one blocking, can anchor well and offer some pulling ability to block on the second level. He has a high football IQ. He is ready to start. I would pick a higher rated center if they were there...
Round 3B OT Blake Fisher, A good OT prospect. We need depth and a player under contact for 2025. He did a good job as a pass block and run blocker. He will be much need depth in 2024, possibly a starter at right tackle and a cheap long term solution.
Round 6a Dwight McGlothern , CB. Highest graded cornerback among all Power 5 programs and second nationally according to Pro Football Focus with a 91.3 grade. He is big and ran fairly well at the combine
Round 6b. DL. Justin Ebelgbe A big 5 technique lineman , who can play the run well. A solid DL as a sub
With Free agency . ( Cornerback was addressed with Donte Jackson trade ) and this mock draft I feel the Steeler will be in position to make a playoff run.
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