Steeler Fans Rejoice: Versatile Playmaker Headed to Pittsburgh in Latest Mock Draft
Pro Football Focus unveiled their latest mock draft On Monday morning, as the NFL Draft approaches in under four weeks, a mock draft from PFF featured Georgia's safety. Malaki Starks expected to be chosen by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 21st pick. Although Starks hasn’t often been associated with the Steelers, and safety isn’t typically mentioned among their primary areas for improvement, drafting him would significantly strengthen Pittsburgh’s defensive lineup.
Mega Starks Expected to Join Steelers in Recent PFF Mock Draft
What Malaki Starks Could Contribute to the Pittsburgh Steelers
Although defensive tackle, running back, and wide receiver positions have been seen as some of Pittsburgh’s greatest areas for improvement, they truly need to focus on several key aspects. add another piece To their safe haven. The pairing of Minkah Fitzpatrick and DeShon Elliott creates an impressive frontline, yet the backup options within this unit seem limited at present. If drafted, Malaki Starks would instantly become the third-string safety for the Steelers; however, his contribution to the squad wouldn’t stop with just providing reliable support from behind.
The reason Starks is considered a high-potential pick is due to his adaptability. Whether playing in the slot, lining up as an additional safety near the line of scrimmage, or patrolling from deeper positions as a free safety, he demonstrates flexibility. Over recent years, the Steelers have typically positioned Minkah Fitzpatrick closer to the defensive backfield as a deep-free safety. However, allowing him more mobility enables him to showcase impressive skills on the field. With this arrangement, Starks might cover the deep zones, letting Fitzpatrick thrive at different spots. Alternatively, they could keep Fitzpatrick further downfield while positioning Starks nearer the line for increased pressure or in coverage roles within the slot area.
As a newcomer, Malaki Starks' primary responsibility with the Steelers' defense might well be playing as the slot cornerback. According to PFF's assessment of his selection, this decision was influenced by Pittsburgh's subpar performance in covering opponents from the slot during the previous season. Despite having a generally strong defensive lineup, one area where the Steelers fall short is at the slot corner spot. Adding Starks should immediately bolster their coverage capabilities here; however, he has demonstrated versatility and can adapt to various roles based on what the team’s coaches require of him.
Who else served on the board?
In the PFF mock draft, the Steelers could genuinely adopt a "best player available" strategy. By the time they reach the 21st selection, several of their primary prospects such as defensive linemen might still be on the board for Pittsburgh. Kenneth Grant and Derrick Harmon , and wide receivers Luther Burden III and Matthew Golden , are still part of the team. Among these four players, Ohio State's wide receiver remains. Emeka Egbuka And with Malaki Starks, it would be difficult for the Steelers to choose poorly in this situation.
In case this scenario unfolds, it would be intriguing to observe how firmly Pittsburgh embraces the strategy of selecting the top available player. Although safety and slot corner are definite requirements for the Steelers, enhancing the defensive line and wide receiver spots might hold greater importance due to their strategic value. Should the team prioritize immediate needs over sheer ability, it could prove challenging to picture them choosing Starks instead of players like Grant or Golden. However, if Pittsburgh aims solely to stockpile as much high-caliber talent as feasible, Starks will definitely catch their attention; his profile suggests an effortless adjustment to professional football.
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