Steelers' Controversial Social Media Draft Strategy Debate Is Front And Center On Popular Podcast's 1st Mock Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into an unfamiliar position in the 2023 NFL Draft. They have three selections in the top 50 picks and have the opportunity to transform the roster. Steeler Nation is wearing out the draft simulators on the internet and fans are split on the direction the team should go when they start making selections in April.

The Steelers traditionally don’t spend big money in free agency so the draft is the best chance to see an impact player don the black and gold. Arthur Moats and his partner Eric “Deke” Deklaven got into the spirit on the Arthur Moats Experience with Deke Podcast on Monday and held their first mock draft of the offseason.

The popular podcast duo used the Pro Football Focus simulator for their first mock attempt and if you are familiar with the program it sometimes drops players inexplicably, but all you can do while playing along is take what comes to you and the simulator delivered a few shocking players dropping during the mock draft. Both podcasters admitted with their seventh-round selections that they were guessing so we will just look at the first four rounds of their selections.

Round 1

Moats: Peter Skoronski, T, Northwestern vs “Deke”: Jordan Addison, WR, USC

This is the quintessential argument between the warring factions on social media. Many fans want a homecoming for Jordan Addison in Pittsburgh and equate his selection with the second coming of Cincinnati Bengals Ja’Marr Chase. Skoronski is rarely available at pick 17 in the simulator and is considered the consensus best offensive lineman available in 2023. He was recently passed by Paris Johnson Jr on the list of best available tackles on the Pro Football Focus rankings but Skoronski's versatility to play guard and tackle is what makes him such an attractive prospect. 

Round 2 Picks 32 and 49

Moats: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame, and Siaki Ika DT, Baylor vs “Deke” Siaki Ika DT and Cam Smith CB, South Carolina

Michael Mayer is the best tight end available in the 2023 draft and doesn’t often make it past the middle of the first round so this is a real bonus. Adding a premier tight end to allow the Steelers to play more in 12 personnel is extremely tempting. Siaki Ika is the best nose tackle in the draft and both agree that he would look great in the black and gold. Cam Smith is currently rated as the third-best CB in the upcoming draft by Pro Football Focus and would be a steal in the middle of the second round.

Round 3

Moats: Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah Vs “Deke”: Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia

Clark Phillips III is an interesting prospect from Utah, but he is not currently ranked as one of the top 10 cornerbacks by PFF and is ranked 92 on the top 100 prospects list by the website. It is interesting that both podcasters prioritized TE. Darnell Washington is not the receiver that Mayer is, but he is a better overall blocker than his Notre Dame counterpart and the former Georgia Bulldog is no liability in the passing game.

Round 4

Moats: Trey Palmer, WR, Nebraska vs “Deke”: Andrew Voorhees, G, USC

Last season the Steelers selected Calvin Austin III in the fourth round, but he spent the season on injured reserve. Trey Palmer is not quite as fast as Austin, but he is very fast and significantly bigger. Andrew Voorhees is a very interesting prospect and at one time was thought of as the best guard in this draft class. He has demonstrated flexibility by filling in at left tackle for the USC Trojans in 2021 but will almost certainly be a guard in the NFL.

Steelers Unlikely To Go For Wide Receiver In Early Rounds According to Insider

Moats, who played for the Steelers, and his cohost both prioritized the same positions but took two completely different approaches to fill them. They only differed at prioritizing offensive tackle over guard but with Skoronski available for the former Steelers linebacker, it is hard to argue with either. The first-round selections of Addison and Skoronski perfectly underscored the hotly debated issue of whether to build from the inside out or stockpile weapons. Andy Weidl, Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan will settle the debate for good in late April. 

What do you think Steeler Nation? Which mock draft do you like better? Please comment below or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.

#SteelerNation