2020 NFL Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers 7-round mock draft
By John Newman
Wide Receiver. Ohio State. Austin Mack. 232. 812. Pick Analysis. Scouting Report. player
With the 2020 NFL Draft class loaded with wide receivers, there are bound to be some decent receivers that fall to the later rounds. Austin Mack played at Ohio State for four seasons but you will be hard-pressed to find many Buckeyes fans shouting his name at home games. That is because in four seasons Mack had just six touchdowns and never had a season with more than 361 receiving yards.
But the Steelers have a reputation for finding quality wide receivers in the later rounds and Mack has some characteristics that could indicate a quality wide receiver given some to develop. Mack has made some truly fantastic receptions during his college career, showing his skills as a jump ball receiver. While there wasn’t a ton of production in college for Mack, he does have the aggressive attitude to go up and get the ball.
#Steelers GM Kevin Colbert has a tremendous track record at drafting WRs in 3rd round and on. Shares credit just now, saying, "We've had some good fortune... They (also) play w/ a Hall of Fame capable quarterback (and) that helps them develop."
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) April 22, 2019
At 6-foot-1, Mack is taller than many of the wide receivers in this class and could be a developmental player in the NFL. Mack came to Ohio State as a four-star recruit, scoring an impressive 15 touchdowns in his senior year of high school, according to his NFL.com scouting profile.
His scouting report shows a ton of unmet potential in college, as he has traits NFL teams like. He just doesn’t have the production to match those traits. Mack has trouble separating from cornerbacks, an essential trait in the NFL. But his scouting report shows a receiver with “intelligent and instinctive route running” and an ability to “absorb contact and hang in on contested catches.”
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Mack doesn’t look like he is ready to start in 2020. But then again neither did Terry McLaurin in the 2019 NFL Draft. And he went on to have a great season last year, far exceeding expectations set for him before the draft. College production does not always guarantee wide receivers will be productive in the NFL. Mack has several traits of a good wide receiver, especially if the Pittsburgh Steelers use that intelligent route running to gain separation as a slot receiver.
dark. Next. Late-Round sleeper targets for Steelers
The Steelers have a history of developing late-round wide receivers. The 2019 Steelers offense was disappointing, ranking 30th in passing yards, as their receivers were unable to take advantage of the low scoring games the defense gave them. The Pittsburgh Steelers should be looking to add depth pieces at the wide receiver position in the 2020 NFL Draft, giving Roethlisberger as many dynamic and unique receivers as they can find.