Parker Abate Mock Draft 2023 2.0: Steelers Go After Top Positional Needs And Bolster Depth

The NFL Combine is beginning as the Pittsburgh Steelers and 31 other teams will have their top personnel surrounding the best available talent ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft. Mike Tomlin's need seem to be pretty set in stone given the current state of the depth chart. Help is needed on both the offensive and defensive lines as well as the cornerback and wide receiver positions. Free agency will determine what angle they take come April, but there isn't a doubt that there are huge holes in certain areas.

Our first mock draft was heavily focused on the defense, but a month later, it seems other positions are absolutely in play early. It all starts with a big man up front as Pro Football Focus's mock draft tool had him available at #17.

Round 1 (#17) - Broderick Jones, T - Georgia

The National Champion, to put it bluntly, is a massive body-moving figure. Jones is 6'4" and 310 pounds and has an excellent pass-blocking repertoire. He fell all the way down to 17 and it was impossible to pass him up given the inconsistency of current left tackle, Dan Moore Jr. and Jones' dominant college career.

He didn't allow a single sack in all of 2022 and is incredibly fast for his size. It's fair to recognize him as the most athletic offensive lineman in the entire class. He is exactly what the Steelers need on the outside protecting Kenny Pickett's blindside. 

Round 2 (#32) - Deonte Banks, CB - Maryland

We all know that Tomlin loves the University of Maryland. Banks is a strong and stout 6'1" and weighs about 200 pounds. His size allows him to be physical with more intimidating receivers. He is a phenomenal tackler which has been an area of concern for Pittsburgh in recent years. He played nearly 1,500 snaps at Maryland and has plenty of reps under his belt.

Banks had two interceptions and 11 total passes defended in his collegiate career. After playing all four years, he is a bit more polished than some of the cornerback prospects. This is a huge area of need for the Steelers and Tomlin goes with what school he is arguably the most familiar with once more.

Round 2 (#49) - Josh Downs, WR - North Carolina

Pittsburgh doesn't know what it has just yet in Calvin Austin III. It's tough to target a wide receiver here because of that situation, but it's impossible to ignore Downs' over 2,300 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns in his final two collegiate seasons. He's quick and as a bonus, as returning experience.

Based on what was available here, Downs made the most sense and would add another weapon to the offense. It's never a bad thing to add another element to this group given the offensive firepower in the AFC.

Round 3 (#80) - Keeanu Benton, DL - Wisconsin

The defensive line is not getting any younger and as the team heads into the month of March, only four members of the 2022 squad are under contract for 2023. He has already been linked to Pittsburgh following the Senior Bowl and would be the perfect person to dominate offensive lines alongside Cameron Heyward.

Benton is 6'3", 315-pounds and had 10 tackles for loss paired with 4.5 sacks in 2022 for the Badgers. The depth is a serious issue here. If Benton is on the board at #80, he is a perfect player to add to the roster.

Round 4 (#120) - Moro Ojomo, DL - Texas

Ojomo doesn't just only have the coolest name in the entire draft class. He also is a force at the line of scrimmage. Even after taking Benton in the third, it was time to prioritize this group and take another big man to help stuff opponents' rushing attacks, specifically in the AFC North.

The 280-pound run-stopping force had 5.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks in his final season with the Longhorns. He could even be used as an edge rusher at the NFL level. His versatility makes him a strong fit for what the Steelers currently need on the defensive front. There were other routes to go here, but bolstering a defensive line that struggled at the end of multiple games was the reason for the selection.

Steelers Target Quarterback In 7th Round For Second Straight Year

Round 7 (#236) - Clayton Tune, QB - Houston

The fact of the matter is Mitch Trubisky should be released to save cap room and even if Pittsburgh signs a less expensive veteran free agent, the franchise is known for always having at least three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. Tune is similarly-sized to Pickett and is arguably the most experienced collegiate signal-caller in this year's class.

Some think he may be worth a fifth or sixth rounder and given that projection while also knowing the Steelers need a third quarterback, it was an easy pick in the final round. He threw 40 touchdowns in 2022 and 104 in his career as a whole. Pittsburgh quarterbacks combined to throw the least amount of touchdowns in the NFL a season ago.

Round 7 (#243) - Zack Kuntz, TE - Old Dominion

This pick relies on the belief that Zach Gentry will not be back. Connor Heyward will probably become the second tight end on the depth chart, but the team still needs another to fill out the three on the roster. For a tight end, Kuntz is rather quick, but his blocking in the run game can improve. That's where the Steelers may hesitate, but the need is there if Gentry moves on and he wouldn't be a bad option at #243.

Here is the Pro Football Focus analysis of the draft below: 

What do you agree with? What picks make you cringe? Let us know in the comments below!

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