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The Pewter Plank

2017 NFL Mock Draft: Buccaneers Take Help Over the Top

By Alan Schechter

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker T.J. Watt (42) in action during the game against the Western Michigan Broncos in the 2017 Cotton Bowl game at AT&T Stadium. The Badgers defeat the Broncos 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker T.J. Watt (42) in action during the game against the Western Michigan Broncos in the 2017 Cotton Bowl game at AT&T Stadium. The Badgers defeat the Broncos 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

With the 30th pick in the 2017 NFL draft the Pittsburgh Steelers select, T.J. Watt linebacker out of Wisconsin. I saw it coming, you saw it coming, and we all saw it coming. The Steelers are on the lookout for a replacement for James Harrison. The ageless wonder Harrison has been a legendary Steeler throughout his days, but those days are numbered. With the unfortunate bust on Jarvis Jones, the Steelers must look to find a replacement for Harrison.

T.J. Watt out of Wisconsin is just the perfect guy for the job. This standup outside linebacker prospect has traits to become a special player in the NFL, much like that older brother of his. The selection of Watt not only gives the Steelers a replacement at outside linebacker, but also a play-maker opposite Bud Dupree.

At 30th overall, the Steelers may see it as a wise decision to target an outside backer, but do not rule out a possible quarterback depending on who they see fit. Ben Roethlisberger has fooled with retirement rumors for too long, and we ALL know Landry Jones is not the long-term option. For me, however, the choice is Watt.

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