Pittsburgh Steelers: Top first-round targets in 2021 NFL Draft
By Jonah Hovis
The Pittsburgh Steelers will be selecting 24th in the 2021 NFL Draft. Will they make a surprising splash or play it safe when they go on the clock?
The Steelers are more than likely going to stick at No. 24, as they usually don’t do much movement in the draft unless there is a crucial need. With Ben Roethlisberger most likely taking a pay cut and coming back to the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2021-22 NFL season, it would be surprising to see the team go with a quarterback in the first round.
With that in mind, it will be interesting where they will go. This is a solid team but there are undoubtedly some major areas of need on the roster. Here are a few first-round targets for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas
The Steelers have some holes to fill at their starting offensive line this coming offseason. With Alejandro Villanueva and Matt Feiler both being free agents the safe bet is they will go with a tackle with their first pick. Now, which type of talent at the offensive line will the Pittsburgh Steelers go with this summer? To start, Samuel Cosmi is a guy who has shown production and could be a solid fit for the Steelers in the trenches.
Samuel Cosmi is an intriguing prospect coming out of Texas at the tackle position. Cosmi stands at 6-foot-7 and weighs 310 pounds, which weighs into him being such an exciting prospect at his size. As mentioned earlier, Villanueva and Feiler both have contracts that are up, so the Pittsburgh Steelers need depth at both ends of the line. Cosmi, at a similar build, could be a nice replacement for the Steelers and be a day one starter.
Cosmi’s athleticism allows stood out at Texas, as he showed that he can hold his own on the line against speedy edge rusher and bull rush ends on the outside of the line. He also showed great ability in the run game with his above-average athleticism and ability to get to the second level.
With the Steelers consistently struggling to run the ball this past season, having a right tackle who can move to the second level and open lanes is a need. Cosmi could line up on that right side, and with more growth at the position, could be a solid left tackle in the league.