Steelers' Day 3 Mock Draft: Pittsburgh adds a capable starter at CB

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Rob Gregson | Last updated 4/27/24

The Pittsburgh Steelers left day one and two of the draft with A's across the board in terms of their picks.

There is still work to be done, however, with some depth needed on defense, and an influx of vigor needed at the CB position.

Pittsburgh does just that in this mock:

Steelers' Day 3 Mock Draft

Round 4, No. 119 overall: T.J. Tampa, CB Iowa State

Here are my best available prospects heading into Round 4:

-- CB T.J. Tampa (No. 38 overall on my Big Board)
-- WR Troy Franklin (52)
-- OLB Mohamed Kamara (67)
-- S Jaden Hicks (71)
-- TE Ja'Tavion Sanders (75)
— Mel Kiper Jr. (@MelKiperESPN) April 27, 2024

Why it's him: Value

Anytime a player that is ranked near the top 50 on the consensus board is still around in the triple digits, alarms should be going off.

Whether it be character or injury, Pittsburgh will have to weigh the risk versus the reward before deciding if Tampa is worth the pick.

But seeing that we're in day three, a mid-round dart throw cant hurt, and Pittsburgh may have to battle several teams for Tampa as he's unlikely to slide another 18 spots, signaling a potential trade-up from the Steelers.

Round 6, No. 178 overall: Xavier Thomas, EDGE, Clemson

Clemson edge rusher Xavier Thomas was the #3 recruit in the 2018 class. While he battled injuries throughout his college career, he's always been productive when on the field.

Despite injuries, in 2023 he still showed the elite bend that made him so highly regarded out of HS pic.twitter.com/vsbiAEdfN0
— Chicago Football Connection (@CFCBears) April 21, 2024

Why it's him: Risk vs. Reward

At this point in the draft, it's about taking swings. Sure you might strike out, and if you do, it's merely a sixth-round pick.

But if you hit, now you're talking about a potential multi-sack player who displays tantalizing traits as a designated pass rusher to pair on the second line with Nick Herbig.

Round 6, No. 195 overall: Beau Brade, Safety, Maryland

Maryland Safety Beau Brade plays downhill with a physical mentality. Everything you need to know about his NFL projection:

✍️⬇️ pic.twitter.com/3j9E9rwI60
— Rob Gregson (@NFL_Rob) January 29, 2024

Why it's him: Fits The Bill

Beau Brade is a physical safety that has proven to be alignment versatile and comes from a program noted for their production of athletic deeisve backs. At the worst he's a special teams player or camp body.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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