Schrager Makes Surprising Twist In Latest Steelers Mock Draft.
- Kelly Anozie
- 2 minutes ago
- 2 min read
What position groups have been linked to the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason?
For the most part, draft analysts have connected the team to either a star wide receiver or a quarterback. More recently, some have floated the possibility of selecting an offensive lineman, given Broderick Jones’ injury situation and the departure of veteran Isaac Seumalo.
One position group that has yet to be seriously explored as a potential first‑round option is EDGE rusher. The Steelers already feature the tandem of T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, with Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer providing depth. However, ESPN’s Peter Schrager sees things differently.
In his latest mock draft, Schrager projected Clemson EDGE rusher T.J. Parker to Pittsburgh with the 21st overall pick.
Even with the likelihood of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson being available, Schrager argues that the return of veteran Aaron Rodgers would eliminate that scenario. And although the Steelers invested heavily in their defensive front in last year’s draft — including selecting Derrick Harmon in the first round — Schrager believes the team is still intent on building its defensive line of the future.
"On defense, the Steelers started getting younger along the line with the Derrick Harmon pick a year ago, and I wouldn't think they're done there. Parker has played a big role on the Clemson defense since his true freshman season, with 21.5 sacks over his three years there."
What is worth noting is that the Steelers have yet to meet with Parker in any capacity, including after Clemson’s Pro Day. All indications suggest the team intends to address the defensive line on either Day 2 or Day 3 of the draft, and there has been little evidence of meaningful interest in him. Yet with Watt showing early signs of regression and injuries limiting Highsmith’s availability, the position group remains firmly within the realm of possibility.
During his career with the Tigers, Parker earned Freshman All-American honors in 2023 and was selected to the All-ACC second team in 2024. Across 39 career games, he recorded 126 tackles, 21.5 sacks, 41.5 tackles for loss, and six forced fumbles.