Welcome to my first mock draft of the 2019 season. In my opinion, the Steelers were a very good team in 2018 that caught many unlucky breaks. Pittsburgh’s defense improved in 2018 compared to 2017, but there are a still a handful of positions that need starters and more that need depth. Therefore, if the Steelers need to go all defense in a draft, it’s this year.

Here are a few important notes to know before reading my mock draft:

• To keep things simple, this mock acts under the assumption that Antonio Brown will be returning in 2019.
• I based my mock around Matt Miller‘s 7 Round Mock Draft
• I chose my players based on who was available for the Steelers picks.

With that said, here are my picks for the first three rounds of the Steelers 2019 NFL Draft.

Embed from Getty Images

Round One: Byron Murphy (CB) – Washington

If Byron Murphy is on the board for the Steelers pick, it’s an easy decision. While he may not have the size the Steelers prefer, he has everything you want (and the Steelers need) in a cornerback. Not only is he an incredible athlete, but he has the ability to play in both man and zone coverage.

While a tall, lengthy cornerback like Greedy Williams would be tempting because of his size, Murphy has a more complete overall game and would be a safer selection.

I’m not sure what else to write because this pick would be such a no-brainer. Draft Murphy, put him opposite Joe Haden, and let him ball.

Also considered: Greedy Williams, Jachai Polite

Embed from Getty Images

Round Two: Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (S) – Florida

I’m drafting Chauncey Gardner-Johnson under the assumption that Morgan Burnett won’t be a Steeler for much longer. With Gardner-Johnson the Steelers can get the dime defender they signed Burnett to be.

While this pick may seem a bit luxurious given that the Steelers have their two starting safeties locked, getting a competent dime defender is urgent – especially if the Steelers don’t upgrade the inside linebacker position. He would be an upgrade over Burnett, bringing more athleticism and ball skills. In addition, they would be in a much safer spot if Sean Davis walks after this season.

By drafting Murphy and Gardner-Johnson the Steelers would be injected their secondary with playmakers – something it sorely lacked in 2018.

Also considered: Kelvin Harmon, Amani Oruwariye

Embed from Getty Images

Round Three: D’Andre Walker (EDGE) – Georgia

I’m selecting D’Andre Walker in order to get some much-needed EDGE depth. Unless the Steelers end up taking Brian Burns or Jachai Polite, more than likely Bud Dupree will be returning in 2019 as their starter. I don’t love Dupree, but he’s a solid starter the Steelers can live with.

Walker may not have the athletic ceiling Dupree had coming out, but he’s a tough run defender, has some upside to develop as a pass-rusher, and is athletic enough to be able to drop into coverage. The only depth the Steelers have behind their starters is Anthony Chickillo (if he gets resigned) and they are in trouble if either Dupree or TJ Watt go down.

Best case scenario he may be able to develop into a starter, worst case scenario the Steelers get some much-needed depth at outside linebacker.

Also considered: Zach Allen, Terrill Hanks

Embed from Getty Images

Final thoughts

The Steelers have a great foundation, but the most important thing this defense needs is playmakers. While we all want an inside linebacker, this may not be the best draft for it. In my opinion, focusing on the secondary is the best route for now: get guys that can make plays on the ball and this defense will improve.