PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Ridiculed for picking Najee Harris in the first round in 2021, the first NFL.com three-round mock draft shows the Steelers picking a running back in the first round. It’s not even the top ranked running back available.
The mock draft predicts the Steelers will take Ohio State tailback Quinshon Judkins with the 21st pick in the first round. A national champion and over 1,000 yards in each of his three college seasons, the 6’, 219-pound Judkins is ranked as the fifth-best tailback, 98th overall by CBS Sports. Pro Football Focus doesn’t have Judkins as a top five of running back. ESPN ranked Judkins fourth overall at tailback. NFL Draft Buzz.com ranks Judkins sixth.
It’s a three-round draft with the Steelers finding their next quarterback in the second round.
Chad Reuter mocks the Steelers will select Alabama dual-threat quarterback Jalen Milroe with the 52nd overall pick. The 6’1”, 220-pounder is explosive, isn’t afraid to get hit with a big arm and 20 rushing touchdowns in 2024. He struggled going through his reads with similar questions that Justin Fields faces on touch throws. Milroe also has small hands with 16 TD to 11 interceptions last season.
Likely slot corner Denzel Burke to the Steelers in the third round. The Ohio State senior would be a steal here according to CBS Sports rankings as the 48th best overall player and fifth-best corner. The 6’1” Burke played a lot of press man in college, but scouts at nfldraftbuzz.com believe he needs work with his fundamentals. Burke had 143 tackles and four interceptions in 51 career games.
Welcome to full-on mock draft season with 10 weeks until the selections are made.