2016 NFL Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers Pre-Combine Seven-Round Mock

1. Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State

The Steelers have a desperate need in the secondary, and this seems to be the year they address it in the draft. Ohio State's Eli Apple is projected to go late in the first round and would be a great fit in Pittsburgh.

2. Vadal Alexander, OG, LSU

Pittsburgh's offensive line has improved immensely since the hiring of Mike Munchak in 2014, though they still need to upgrade at the guard position. Alexander could be the guy in the second round if Cody Whitehair is off the board.

2. Vadal Alexander, OG, LSU

Pittsburgh's offensive line has improved immensely since the hiring of Mike Munchak in 2014, though they still need to upgrade at the guard position. Alexander could be the guy in the second round if Cody Whitehair is off the board.

3. Sheldon Day, DT, Notre Dame

The defensive line isn't a weakness for the Steelers, but they do have a lack of depth. The addition of a lineman like Sheldon Day could take a lot of pressure off of Stephon Tuitt and Cam Heyward.

3. Sheldon Day, DT, Notre Dame

The defensive line isn't a weakness for the Steelers, but they do have a lack of depth. The addition of a lineman like Sheldon Day could take a lot of pressure off of Stephon Tuitt and Cam Heyward.

4. Tyler Higbee, TE, Western Kentucky

Heath Miller is still productive but nearing the end of his career. The Steelers drafted Jesse James last offseason, but he only caught eight passes in 2015. Higbee's size and frame present enormous upside at the next level.

4. Tyler Higbee, TE, Western Kentucky

Heath Miller is still productive but nearing the end of his career. The Steelers drafted Jesse James last offseason, but he only caught eight passes in 2015. Higbee's size and frame present enormous upside at the next level.

5. Kevin Hogan, QB, Stanford

The Steelers struggled to find production from their backup quarterback when Ben Roethlisberger was out of the lineup last season. It's time to move on from Vick and Jones, and Kevin Hogan has the intelligence and skillset to step in when needed.

5. Kevin Hogan, QB, Stanford

The Steelers struggled to find production from their backup quarterback when Ben Roethlisberger was out of the lineup last season. It's time to move on from Vick and Jones, and Kevin Hogan has the intelligence and skillset to step in when needed.

6. Jordan Lucas, CB/S, Penn State

Pittsburgh will continue to add to the secondary through the draft, and a versatile player like Jordan Lucas may fit right in. He played corner at Penn State and should transition well to safety. He's an aggressive tackler and has excellent footwork.

6. Jordan Lucas, CB/S, Penn State

Pittsburgh will continue to add to the secondary through the draft, and a versatile player like Jordan Lucas may fit right in. He played corner at Penn State and should transition well to safety. He's an aggressive tackler and has excellent footwork.

7. D.J. Pettway, DE, Alabama

The Steelers need to continue to add depth on the defensive front, and Pettway has a lot of upside. His stock is considerably lower than his talent suggests, but off-the-field issues at Alabama may scare a lot of teams away on draft day.

7. D.J. Pettway, DE, Alabama

The Steelers need to continue to add depth on the defensive front, and Pettway has a lot of upside. His stock is considerably lower than his talent suggests, but off-the-field issues at Alabama may scare a lot of teams away on draft day.