PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Check off running back off the list of Steelers needs in the draft. What now?
There are needs at tight end, Penn State’s Pat Freiermuth, Notre Dame’s Tommy Tremble and Boston College’s Hunter Long.
There are needs to depth at linebacker (Ronnie Perkins-edge, Oklahoma, Baron Browning, Ohio State, Chazz Surratt, North Carolina) and corner (Asante Samuel, Florida St., Tyson Campbell, Georgia).
But let’s stick with offense and here are the best available offensive linemen.
Teven Jenkins-OT, Oklahoma State (6’6”, 320 pounds)
· Can play both right and left tackle. Started 25 at right with the Cowboys and 7 at left and also started a game at guard. Has a mean streak, good run blocker and excellent athlete. The most mocked player to the Steelers after Najee Harris.
Liam Eichenberg-OT, Notre Dame (6’6”, 302 pounds)
· Starting left tackle for three seasons, an Outland Trophy and Joe Moore Award finalist. First team All-ACC and ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week against Pitt. Cleveland native was seventh ranked OT in nation out of high school.
Jalen Mayfield-OT, Michigan (6’5”, 319 pounds)
· Played only two games before declaring for NFL Draft, which might hurt his standing with the Steelers. Started every game at right tackle in 2019, honorable mention All-Big 10. Gained 75 pounds since his freshman year.
Samuel Cosmi-OT, Texas (6’7”, 309 pounds)
· Left last season after eight games to focus on the NFL Draft, started 34 of 35 career games. Allowed one QB hit and one sack named first team All-Big 12 in 2020 & second team All-American. Scored a 12-yard rushing TD at West Virginia as a sophomore.
Dillon Radunz-OT, North Dakota State (6’6”, 300 pounds)
· Participated in the Senior Bowl, meaning Steelers had a lot of eyes on him. Made 32 consecutive starts at left tackle. Pro Football Network says he’s a hidden gem with long arms who is a plus athlete.
Wyatt Davis-G, Ohio State (6’4”, 315 pounds)
· Started his final two years at Ohio State was first team All-American as a junior and senior. Played the two playoff games with an apparent nagging knee injury, which he says is fixed.
Creed Humphrey-C, Oklahoma (6’5”, 312 pounds)
· Named the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year as a junior and senior, was a finalist for the Rimington Trophy as a junior. Made 37 career starts, better at pass than run blocking. Has a wrestling background and was in the first round in several mock drafts.
Landon Dickerson-C, Alabama (6’5”, 333 pounds)
· Many experts say he would have been the Steelers pick if not for several lengthy injuries. He seems ideal for his physicality, mentality and intangibles. Is a team willing to risk on a player with huge talent but a pair of ACL and ankle surgeries?
Drew Dalman-C, Stanford (6’3”, 300 pounds)
· A team captain and first team All-Pac 12, started 20 career games at center and two at guard. Pro Football Network describes him as explosive and quickly gets to second level. National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society member.
Josh Myers-C, Ohio State (6’5”, 310 pounds)
· Made the transition to center in college with 21 starts with great strength and quickness. A team captain, second-team All-American and Rimington Trophy finalist.
Quinn Meinerz-C, Wisconsin-Whitewater (6’3”, 320 pounds)
· He didn’t miss 2020 season because of opting out, rather his season was cancelled. Known for a nasty streak and physicality, but played Division 3. Did participate in the Senior Bowl, where Pro Football Network says he dominated every practice. The Steelers heavily scout that week and fell in love with Chase Claypool there.