2019 NFL Mock Draft: Projected first round after the college football season
LB. Alabama Crimson Tide. Mack Wilson. 28. player. 55.
Pittsburgh’s defense hasn’t been the same since Ryan Shazier was injured, and filling his void hasn’t been easy for the Steelers front office. Finding another instinctive linebacker should be the Steelers first priority in the draft, and Mack Wilson fits the bill.
Alabama should be considered linebacker university at this point, as they have had a number of linebackers go on to be productive players in the NFL (although Reuben Foster has been a major character concern, there’s no denying his impact on the field).
Wilson can read the opposing offenses quickly, and has 57 tackles this season. He can also drop back and play the pass, evidenced by his six interceptions over the last two seasons.
Rushing the passer isn’t a problem for Pittsburgh, as TJ Watt and company lead the league in total sacks with 39, but adding Wilson into the mix could make them even more devastating.
James Connor has had fumbling issues but he seems to be the running back of the future, so don’t expect another replacement for Le’Veon Bell to be drafted at this spot.