Though they could go several different directions, there is a rough idea of what the Pittsburgh Steelers will do with their first-round pick in the draft. Based on their pre-draft activity, they are certainly interested in the quarterbacks, running backs, and defensive linemen in this class. However, Pittsburgh should not and will not have tunnel vision on one or two prospects. There are some surprising but quality selections the Steelers could make with their first-round pick.
3 Sleeper Options for Steelers First Round Pick
DB Malaki Starks – Georgia
Along with the three aforementioned positions, the Steelers have shown a lot of interest in this year’s safety class. While Pittsburgh doesn’t have an immediate need for a starter at the position, it severely lacks depth. Minkah Fitzpatrick and DeShon Elliott are a very good starting pair, but there’s nothing to write home about behind them in the group. While it would be unconventional to draft a depth piece in the first round, especially for a team with so many more pressing needs, Malaki Starks could help remake the Steelers’ defense.
Given his versatility, Starks could play slot cornerback as a rookie, a position at which Pittsburgh has no reliable starter. Long-term, Starks is a player who could really play anywhere in the secondary. He can play in the box, in the slot, or as a single-high deep safety. Having two versatile players like Starks and Fitzpatrick to move around the back of their defense could pay dividends for Pittsburgh. Mike Tomlin was at Georgia’s Pro Day, so there is some familiarity, and Starks is a low-key but worthy option for the Steelers with their first-round pick.
WR Emeka Egbuka – Ohio State
When Pittsburgh traded their second-round pick for DK Metcalf, wide receiver was thought to be taken out of play for the Steelers in the first round. That should not be the case, though. Given their quarterback situation, Pittsburgh should not be locked in on trying to win this season. Looking to the future, George Pickens is only under contract through 2025. The Steelers could trade him during the draft. But even if they don’t, he will likely leave next offseason, and Pittsburgh would need a new WR2.
Insert Emeka Egbuka, who would be a perfect long-term complement to DK Metcalf. While Metcalf is a physically imposing receiver who can win on deep balls and contested catches, Egbuka can be the underneath, always-open safety blanket Robin to Metcalf’s Batman. By all accounts, Egbuka is a strong leader and great locker room guy, which would also be a welcome addition to Pittsburgh’s wide receiver room. If Egbuka is available when the Steelers make their first-round pick, which is far from a guarantee, he would be a tempting option.
DT Darius Alexander – Toledo
The final entry on this list needs a little bit of a caveat. There is an all-but 0% chance the Steelers will draft Darius Alexander with their first-round pick, if they stay put at 21. However, depending on how the board shakes out, there’s a decent chance Pittsburgh could look to trade back in the first round. If none of their top targets are available, a trade back might allow them to recoup the second-round pick they traded for Metcalf. Of course, they will only be able to trade back if they can find a willing partner, which is no given.
If Pittsburgh does trade back, they could do a lot worse than selecting Alexander towards the end of the first round. He has found a way to stand out in a historically good defensive line class. Strong against the run and the pass, Alexander could play several spots along the Steelers’ defensive front. With Cameron Heyward nearing the end of his career, Pittsburgh needs to get younger in the trenches on defense. While no single player will be able to replace the future Hall-of-Famer, drafting Alexander would be a good place to start.
Main Image: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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