2019 NFL Mock Draft 1.0: Defenders dominate throughout
CB. Texas. Kris Boyd. 13. player. 55.
Pittsburgh has dug themselves in a hole early this year, and rumors will swirl regarding the future of Ben Roethlisberger. Pittsburgh has drafted two quarterbacks in the last year years, Mason Rudolph and Josh Dobbs, and both made the roster coming out of training camp.
Running back will also be a concern with Le’Veon Bell unlikely to return next season, let alone this year. James Conner has shown flashes this year, but is he a long-term option for Pittsburgh?
With such a great defensive line class the Steelers could dip into that group once again. They’ve taken a defender in the first round every year since 2013 and have taken a linebacker in four of their last six drafts. The other two were defensive backs Artie Burns and Terrelle Edmunds.
It’s time for the Steelers to take another dip into the cornerback market this offseason. Burns rates as PFF’s 58th cornerback and veteran Joe Haden carries a cap hit of nearly $12 million while only guaranteed a $2 million roster bonus. Cutting Haden would leave Pittsburgh with Burns, Cam Sutton, and Mike Hilton at corner.
Kris Boyd is a long, athletic corner who looks incredibly smooth playing the position. His backpedal is smooth and his ability to disrupt a play is unmatched by most collegiate corners. Last season he had 15 pass deflections and he already has seven this year.