2021 NFL Draft: New York Jets find new franchise QB in NFL mock draft

2021 NFL Draft: Round 1, Pick 22

The Pittsburgh Steelers love to take defenders in the first round. They did not make a first-round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft, as they traded the pick away for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. However, Pittsburgh took a defensive player in the first round of the NFL Draft in the seven years prior. The trend continues in this mock draft, as Pittsburgh brings in interior defensive lineman Christian Barmore out of Alabama.

Barmore was only a part-time player for Alabama last season, but he showed a ton of upside for the powerful Crimson Tide. Barmore is quick off of the ball an incredibly powerful at the point of attack. He has long arms that he uses well to keep offensive linemen off of his body and is a stout run defender in the middle of the defense.

Barmore is a stout defender in the middle of the defensive line, but he has also shown a ton of upside as a one-gape penetrator. He shows an excellent swim move off of the snap and does a great job of getting thin and bursting through the line of scrimmage. His combination of quickness and power is impressive and undoubtedly gives Barmore a ton of upside at the next level.

While he is still an unproven player, Barmore is undoubtedly an exciting talent who could quickly become an important part of the Steelers’ defense. Barmore will get more of an opportunity to prove himself at Alabama this season and if he can continue to thrive in his expanded role, his 2021 NFL Draft stock should soar.