2017 NFL Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers select T.J. Watt

The Pittsburgh Steelers are on the clock in the Pride Of Detroit Community Mock Draft. The acting general manager for the Steelers is ncbur10, and the pick is in. With the 30th pick in the POD mock draft, the Steelers have selected linebacker T.J. Watt out of Wisconsin. Here is the explanation for the pick:

“In 2016, the Steelers started the long overdue rebuild of their defense, taking defenders in their first three picks. I think they will stick with that theme in 2017 and find the eventual replacement for the ageless James Harrison. A case could be made for a cornerback in this spot given their inability to stop the top-tier teams with their zone defense. However, I think any other cornerback in the first round would be a stretch at this point, and, frankly, outside linebacker seems like a bigger need.

The case for T.J. Watt comes down to his ability to both play as an edge rusher and his ability to play against the run. Other outside linebackers in the 3-4 mold might be better at one but he has the best combination of both. Add to that his ability to play in coverage and his intangibles of field awareness and leadership, and you start to get the picture that he is the complete package. All of those reasons, plus he is a steal at the end of the first round makes this pick pretty easy.”