NFL Mock Draft 2018: Complete 7-Round projections
28. player. Scouting Report. Safety. Alabama. Ronnie Harrison. Pick Analysis. 55
As they did last season when they managed to land T.J. Watt at the back end of the first round, the Steelers will once again grab a top-tier talent who has fallen down the boards. Overshadow by his teammate Minkah Fitzpatrick, fellow safety Ronnie Harrison is more than deserving of a first round selection.
Harrison is an incredible value pick this late in the first round, and could fill multiple roles for the Steelers. A tradition strong safety, Harrison has the necessary awareness and quickness to slide into the free safety position if needed. More than likely he’d start over second year strong safety Sean Davis.
What separates Harrison from the next tier of safeties, apart from his versatility, is his physicality and speed. He covers tight ends and running backs extremely well, a skill that continues to become more and more valuable in the NFL. He knows exactly where he needs to be when he lines up in the box and flies to the ball carriers with fearsome intensity.
If the Steelers want to challenge the Patriots for control of the AFC, they’ll have to find someone to cover Rob Gronkowski. Harrison might fit the bill.