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2018 NFL Draft: Full Round 1 mock to celebrate New Year’s Day

By Peter Panacy

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: Haason Reddick of Temple reacts after being picked #13 overall by the Arizona Cardinals during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: Haason Reddick of Temple reacts after being picked #13 overall by the Arizona Cardinals during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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WACO, TX – OCTOBER 28: Malik Jefferson #46 of the Texas Longhorns lines up against the Baylor Bears in the second half at McLane Stadium on October 28, 2017 in Waco, Texas. Texas won 38-7. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
WACO, TX – OCTOBER 28: Malik Jefferson #46 of the Texas Longhorns lines up against the Baylor Bears in the second half at McLane Stadium on October 28, 2017 in Waco, Texas. Texas won 38-7. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /

player. 55. . Inside Linebacker. Texas. Malik Jefferson. 29

Let’s all hope Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier is able to return healthy from his horrendous back injury suffered earlier this season.

Either way, the Steelers could stand for some additional help here at the second level. Especially if Shazier’s void is exposed during the playoffs.

Texas linebacker Malik Jefferson has the flexibility to line up at any linebacker spot. In a 3-4, he’s best suited for interior play, while I’d see him as a 4-3 WILL at the next level. His coverage skills are good enough, for sure, but his ability to make plays against the run is what’s truly enticing. Making plays in space is more of his forte anyway.

Simply put, Jefferson’s 110 tackles in 2017 means he’s a pure tackling machine, and the Steelers could benefit from someone like that on defense.