Way-Too-Early Mock Draft: Steelers Pick High-Ceiling Edge Rusher

The Pittsburgh Steelers have long epitomized consistency at the NFL level. The endless streak of winning seasons, three coaches in 55 years, six Super Bowl championships – it’s one heck of a résumé.

That list of accomplishments is nearly unmatched, and it’s impossible without a knack for drafting well and cultivating talent.

However, Pittsburgh has hit some bumps in the road in recent years. No Steelers first-round pick has become a star since T.J. Watt in 2017 – save for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, who the team traded for. Could the defensive line once again bear fruits for Pittsburgh’s tree of talent?

In the Vikings Wire’s latest mock draft , the Steelers find themselves in the middle of the pack at No. 14, a frequent landing spot for a team with middling projections. There, Pittsburgh picked Texas A&M edge rusher Nic Scourton.

“My personal top-edge prospect goes here to the Pittsburgh Steelers because, of course, he does,” Andrew Harbaugh wrote. “The team is nearing the end of Cameron Heyward’s tenure with the team, and Scourton is the perfect replacement for him. He has similar play styles and skill sets, and Mike Tomlin and his defense are a perfect fit for him to be productive immediately.”

While he’s been a true edge rusher by trade, Scourton would face a position change of sorts. Barring anything wildly unforeseen, Watt and Alex Highsmith aren’t going anywhere any time soon.

Scourton, instead, would be replacing Heyward.

That shouldn’t be overlooked. Heyward generally spends a few snaps per game in alignments Scourton dominates in. Everything else is directly over the tackle or firmly inside the tackles. Subsequently, a fair bit of projection is necessary, and could lead to a bumpy start.

Related: Way-Too-Early Mock Draft: Steelers Pick Blue-Chip Corner

However, Scourton has plenty of the tools necessary to thrive in that role, even if – like Heyward – he’s on the smaller side of interior linemen (approximately 280 pounds). He’s incredibly athletic for his size, wins with technique more frequently than most of his peers, and is capable of winning with power when necessary, offering an NFL-worthy bullrush.

No prospect is a guarantee, especially when asked to change positions (see: Broderick Jones ). But few environments offer the promise of competency like Pittsburgh and his co-stars would provide more than enough opportunities to make a difference in Year 1, making him an exciting option in the middle of the first round.