2019 NFL Mock Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers Select QB Daniel Jones at No. 20

With the 20th pick in the 2019 DBN Community NFL Mock Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select...

Daniel Jones, QB, Duke

The selection and write-up were made by SurrDawg:

I struggled with this one as the board played out the way it did. I was thinking back-7 on DEF since signing up for Pittsburgh. However, there is no one that I love remaining at LB (what I’d say is the biggest need, followed by corner). There would be plenty of CBs to pick from here. I think this could be the route that the Steelers go here. For what it’s worth, I’d guess Byron Murphy (CB, Washington) might be that selection. But I really don’t want him in black and gold for years to come. If not CB, my guess would be the organization overreacts from the loss of AB and choose his replacement (I think that the best options would be another Brown – either A.J. or Marquise). Instead, I’m going to throw in a wildcard.

With all the instability/controversy occurring in the locker room, I wonder if perhaps this organization decides to re-focus and prioritize stability for the long term. With the 20th pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select Daniel Jones, QB (Duke).

Big Ben has yo-yoed on retirement over the last couple of years. Now – unless the departures of Haley and now Brown have changed his opinion – I would start planning for his succession. Perhaps, Jones can learn from the future Hall of Fame QB for a season or two and be ready to step by Year 2 or 3. No fan base enjoys selecting an heir-apparent when they still feel that their QB can keep them in contention. However, being a Browns’ fan too young to have witnessed and/or remember any “success,” finding your QB is worth it. I know the Steelers aren’t used to this mentality. But – if they don’t have a contingency plan in place – they will fall further and further behind their AFC North rivals. I think they will continue to compete, but in the Wild Card/playoff “sleeper” for the duration of the Roethlisberger era. But their days as the top dog are over and their Front Office should acknowledge this and respond accordingly.

Before everyone goes and blames me for ruining this exercise, hear me out. Jones is a late riser and some scouts actually have him as the top of his position. I do not know if I would rate him as the top QB, but they has been plenty of 1st Round buzz around him as the Draft Day approaches. In reality, trades may occur and I wouldn’t be completely surprised if Jones was off the board by this point - so I haven’t “altered” the Big Board much, if at all. There’s talk of Chargers, Packers, and even Patriots perhaps looking for their respective next QB. I do think that the Steelers do go after a QB “early” in this draft. Don’t be surprised that they do so in the 2nd or 3rd, if not here. I may actually think that Jarrett Stidham from Auburn may actually be a better fit for Pittsburgh, so maybe they hope he slides to them there – or they go really bold and pull the trigger on him at #20. They may just have an affinity for 6’5” QBs.

Pokorny: “There we go — a pick that shakes things up a bit! With Roethlisberger teasing retirement for so long, Pittsburgh does need to start thinking about their quarterback of the future, and Jones could be it. This pick probably wouldn’t go over well with Pittsburgh fans, but I see the sense in it.”

The Seattle Seahawks are up next, led by Swagnasty.