For some reason, Mel Kiper is the authority on all things NFL Draft speculation. His career track record hasn't proven to be any more accurate than those of us without his great wealth of knowledge and resources, but he continues to be the man that everyone listens to. So when his latest mock draft comes out, it's big news; even if it will prove to be grossly inaccurate.
So with that in mind, let's see who Mel has the Steelers taking with the latest incarnation of his Mock Draft, now available at ESPN (Insiders only). While many outlets have the Steelers looking for help in the defensive secondary, Mel thinks the Steelers will try to add beef up front with Ohio St. DE Cameron Heyward. here is his rationale.
Pittsburgh needs help at a couple of positions on the defensive line, and that makes Heyward an ideal pick as a player who has shown a lot of versatility in his career in Columbus. With his size, Heyward fits well as a 3-4 defensive end in Dick LeBeau's scheme, and as an experienced player who is solid against both the run and pass, he could be called on early.
This is the problem with Kiper's draft, and mock drafts in general. Heyward is a fantastic fit for the Steelers, and they would be wise to draft him if he is still on the board. But there is a very good chance, excellent in fact, that a team ahead of them decides to take him instead. This is among the lowest spots I have seen him taken in any mock draft, actually. So now if a team decides to pull the trigger on Heyward a few spots earlier, it makes two of his selections wrong.
Ahhhh, Mock Drafting, the most addictive exercise in futility the world has ever known.