For the first time since 2007, the Pittsburgh Steelers will have a new head coach leading them into the draft. Mike McCarthy replaces Mike Tomlin to move the franchise forward after another early playoff exit. <\/p>\n
Finding an immediate starter will be crucial for an aging roster with several of its top players declining. <\/p>\n
Ahead of the first round of the draft on April 23, here’s a look at what experts are projecting the Steelers will do with the No. 21 pick: <\/p>\n
Expert: B\/R NFL Scouting Department<\/a> (3\/31)<\/p>\n Selection (No. 21): LB CJ Allen, Georgia<\/p>\n The Steelers operate in a certain manner, and they don’t stray too far from what’s made them successful over the last 50 years, which is why the organization is again waiting to see if Aaron Rodgers is coming back for another season and trying to squeak out another postseason appearance in 2026.\u00a0<\/p>\n Despite the franchise spinning its wheels since Ben Roethlisberger retired, it continues to take the same approach. With that in mind, the Steelers have always placed a heavy emphasis on linebacker play and can do so again by selecting Georgia’s\u00a0CJ Allen<\/a>.<\/p>\n “With\u00a0trade rumors surrounding Patrick Queen<\/a>, an opportunity to take advantage of the best linebacker class in years should be on the table,” B\/R scout Matt Holder said. “Allen has impressive ball skills for the position and can replace what Queen brought in coverage, while having plenty of upside to develop into a complete backer.”<\/p>\n Expert: Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN<\/a> (3\/17)<\/p>\n Selection (No. 21): G Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State<\/p>\n Expert: Field Yates, ESPN<\/a> (3\/24)<\/p>\n Selection (No. 21): G Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State<\/p>\n Expert: Matt Miller, ESPN<\/a> (3\/30)<\/p>\n Selection (No. 21): OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama<\/p>\n Expert: Lance Zierlein, NFL.com<\/a> (3\/31)<\/p>\n Selection (No. 21): WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana<\/p>\n Expert: Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com<\/a> (3\/17)<\/p>\n Selection (No. 21): OT Blake Miller, Clemson<\/p>\n Expert: Dane Brugler, The Athletic<\/a> (3\/4)<\/p>\n Selection (No. 21): WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana<\/p>\n