2017 NFL mock draft: FanSided experts pick for their teams

Jabrill Peppers. 30. player. 55. The Pittsburgh Steelers have two major voids to fill in the NFL Draft – One being an edge rusher, the other being a defensive back. Although Mike Mitchell still has a few years left in him, Pittsburgh would like to add his replacement within the first two rounds. <p>Jabrill Peppers is a guy much like former Pro Bowler, Roy Williams. No one seems to know whether he’ll play safety, nickel, or some form of linebacker. For the Steelers, he’d be filling holes in all three, playing some safety and acting as a pass rusher off the edge.</p> <p>Peppers does lack in coverage, but could be used as an athletic playmaker throughout the field instead of dropping back in coverage. With no real position, Peppers would work throughout the entire defense until he finds something that fits. With no real need at safety next season, Peppers could try out where he plays best while Mitchell is still on the roster.</p> <p>Pittsburgh is looking for best player available in the first round. NFL Network’s Aditi Kinkhabwala reported the Steelers are searching for the most talent they could get with their first pick.</p> <p>“The Steelers will take the best available, be it a safety or a cornerback when it is their turn; at least that is what I was told today,” Kinkhabwala said about Pittsburgh’s No. 30 pick. “They need to be able to play man coverage. It’s not something we’ve seen.”</p> <p>At the end of the first round, Peppers should be the best overall player available. Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert will want to bring in his flash to Pittsburgh and will be willing to sculpt him into a playmaker. He may not know where he’ll play in the NFL, but Peppers is a great addition to the Steelers’ defense.</p>. LB/S. Michigan