We're finally here, as we are just hours away from the Pittsburgh Steelers being on the clock for the 17th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. That means it's time to pump out the final mock drafts. If you watched our SteelerNation Vidcast earlier in the week, then you will have already seen some of my final mock draft picks. I've tweaked a few since then, and also make sure to tune into our Draft Show throughout the weekend!
Tennessee Athletics
Tennessee offensive tackle Darnell Wright could be the choice if the top tackles are off the board.
Round 1 - Pick #17: Tennessee offensive tackle Darnell Wright
A lot of factors go into this prediction, making it quite difficult. With it, I assumed the Steelers stay put AND the top cornerbacks and offensive tackles didn't fall to Pittsburgh. That leaves Wright as the best option, even if he projects to play right tackle at the next level. It's the next step in reinventing this offensive line and protecting Kenny Pickett for the long-term.
Previous selection: Darnell Wright
Others considered: Joey Porter Jr., Deonte Banks
Round 2 - Pick #32: Georgia tight end Darnell Washington
This is an idea that I have come around to, and the Steelers are clearly interested in Washington. In fact, he was the only tight end that they met with in their 30 pre-draft visits. This doesn't mean everything, as they likely met with a few at the Combine or Senior Bowl, but it shows their infatuation in the player. Tight end isn't necessarily a huge need, but Washington could bring so much to this offense with his blocking and size in the red zone.
While Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell is enticing here, I don't think the Steelers will take a linebacker this early. Brian Branch is another name to watch here, as he would be phenomenal value with the 32nd pick.
Previous selection: Emmanuel Forbes
Others considered: Jack Campbell, Emmanuel Forbes, Felix Anudike-Uzomah
Round 2 - Pick #49: Kansas State cornerback Julius Brents
kstatesports.com
Julius Brents (#23) lines up against Alabama in the 2022 Sugar Bowl.
Between Brents and edge rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah, the Steelers will be targeting two Kansas State defenders in the second round. In fact, I considered picking both of them with picks 32 and 49. Nonetheless, Brents started 32 games in college at Iowa and Kansas State. He finished up his career by earning All-Big 12 First Team honors in 2022, and he brings some versatility to the secondary here at #49.
Previous selection: Jack Campbell
Others considered: Tyrique Stevenson, Trenton Simpson, John Michael-Schmitz
Round 3 - Pick #80: Wisconsin EDGE/LB Nick Herbig
The Steelers need an edge rusher, and Herbig has the family connection with his brother Nate being added to the squad this offseason. At the next level, some view Herbig as an off-ball linebacker as opposed to the position he played in college. Pittsburgh needs depth at both positions though, and Herbig would obviously bring some versatility. Surely, his 36 tackles for loss and 21 career sacks in college are something that can be used at the next level.
Previous selection: Keeanu Benton
Others considered: Sydney Brown
Round 4 - Pick #120: Texas defensive lineman Keondre Coburn
Despite a few late signings in free agency, the Steelers still need help along the defensive line. Former quarterback Ben Roethlisberger acknowledged it as one of their biggest needs in his recent episode of Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger. While the team could opt to address it earlier than pick 120, Coburn feels like a nice pick here in the fourth round. He played a lot of college football in the Big 12, making 45 career starts at Texas across five years.
Previous selection: Jayden Reed
Others considered: Jayden Reed, Charlie Jones
Michael Thomas | Credit: AP
Round 7 - Pick #241: Michigan wide receiver Ronnie Bell
The two seventh-rounders that I went with last time, Clayton Tune and Anthony Johnson Jr., are unlikely to fall this point. That leads me to picking a wideout this late in the draft, and Ronnie Bell somehow falls here in the seventh round. It was an up-and-down career for him at Michigan, but he finished with a career-high 889 yards in 2022. His ability after the catch is an appealing trait for this late in the draft.
Previous selection: Anthony Johnson Jr.
Others considered: Grant DuBose, Justin Shorter, Stetson Bennett
Round 7 - Pick #251: Iowa State defensive lineman MJ Anderson
It gets quite difficult to project who will fall to these later rounds, so I used Pro Football Focus' mock draft simulator for this one. There are a few different ways the Steelers could go here, as there are still a few positional holes. Anderson stepped up in his final collegiate season at Iowa State, playing with Will McDonald IV on an underrated defensive line. He has some work to do, but this could be a really good value pick this late.
Previous selection: Clayton Tune
Others considered: Chamarri Conner, Desjuan Johnson
What would be your thoughts on this possible draft haul? Who do you think the team ends up taking with the 17th overall pick? Do you think they will trade up (or down)? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, yinz!
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