Steelers Projected To Make Ridiculous Pick That's Sure To Outrage Fans In Newest CBS Mock Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers have steadily improved their offense over the past few offseasons. They have been so heavily invested that General Manager Omar Khan and Head Coach Mike Tomlin have used their last two first-round selections to take offensive tackles—Broderick Jones out of Georgia in 2023, and Troy Fautanu out of Washington in 2024. While they assumed their new quarterback would be bookended by elite talent for years to come, it hasn't been that easy. 

Jones started 11 games during his rookie season, and despite playing left tackle in college, he was moved to the right side to fill in for a benched Chukwuma Okorafor. This allowed veteran Dan Moore Jr. to stay on the left side of the line, the only side he feels comfortable playing. When Fautanu was drafted, the reported plan was that ultimately, Jones would take over for Moore on the left side once they felt he was ready, and Fautanu would play on the right. However, Fautanu suffered a season-ending knee injury after only starting one game. 

Fautanu should be ready to return for the 2025 season. That is why the latest mock draft from the NFL on CBS is so confusing. The mock, released on Halloween, seems more of a trick than a treat from analysts Ryan Wilson and Rick Spielman.  

Ryan Wilson said the Steelers have been rolling with Russell Wilson as quarterback and still have Justin Fields on the roster. The Steelers are picking 27th overall, and both Jalen Milroe from Alabama and Quinn Ewers from Texas are available. 

"They're going to keep one of these quarterbacks," predicts Spielman. "They're not gonna get one of these guys to replace a Fields or a Wilson. I believe in the future that they will definitely have one of these quarterbacks that they currently have on the roster on the roster for next year. I think they definitely continue to build the offensive line. I know they got a lot of injuries there. They can do a receiver, but I am going to, because of the style of play, I am going with the left tackle from Minnesota, [Aireontae] Ersery, but I'm going to move him over to the right side."

Aireontae Ersery is a third-year starter at Minnesota. At 6'6" and 330 pounds, Ersery has been getting a lot of attention in early mock drafts. He recently ranked 25th overall in Draft Network's Top 100 Player Rankings. They said he is the "type of blocker NFL teams covet."  However, the reviews aren't all favorable. Some believe his potential is being inflated. Regardless, Steeler Nation might explode with frustration if the team took yet another left tackle and played him out of position. 

The Steelers have already engaged in musical chairs with their current tackles. Fautanu and Jones were both left tackles in college, and both were expected to play on the right side instead. They rotated Jones in during the game that Fautanu played, and it was an epic fail. He had multiple penalties and struggled with blocking. Ultimately, Tomlin pulled him and left Fautanu in. The constant change in Jones' spot on the line has convinced many that this is why he is performing so poorly now. 

Steelers' Broderick Jones Has Taken A Step Back

When Jones started on the right side in 2023, most analysts expected it to take him a little time to adjust, but the former Bulldog showed promise. His poor preseason showing and his struggles during the first couple of games drew mounting concern. 

Some believe Jones is frustrated that he was forced to move when Moore was not. Others think this is just a minor slump and he will bounce back. His former teammate Darnell Washington suggested that the talent that surrounds you at Georgia is so good that players don't always have to give max effort. He said it takes time to adapt to the NFL. 

Offensive Line Coach Pat Meyer said he believes Jones needs to work on his "focus." He added that Jones has displayed a great attitude and a willingness to learn.      

What do you think of Ersery as a first-round selection? Click to comment below. 

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