Steelers Hammer Defense in Three-Round Mock Draft
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PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers have their eyes set on loading up their defense in CBS Sports' latest three-round NFL mock draft.
After signing Isaac Seumalo and Nate Herbig, attention seems to be drifting from the Steelers' offensive line in the NFL Draft. After the big men up front, the team's secondary need is, well, in the secondary.
With Joey Porter Jr. going the pick before the Steelers to the Washington Commanders, Pittsburgh grabs their backup option in a versatile defensive back out of Alabama - Brian Branch.
"The Steelers got interior offensive line help with Nate Herbig, Isaac Seumalo and others, and made some defensive moves with linebackers Elandon Roberts, Cole Holcomb and cornerback Patrick Peterson. Still, offensive tackle and edge rusher could be the play here, but with a run on both positions in the first half of the round, Pittsburgh instead targets S1, especially after losing Terrell Edmunds to the Eagles," CBS Sports writes. "Brian Branch is special; he can play in the slot, near the line of scrimmage or deep centerfield. And if Nick Saban trusted him at Alabama, that's all you need to know about his NFL prospects. He ran a 4.58 at the combine but he plays much faster than that."
From there, the Steelers continue to bulk up their defensive backfield. At pick 32, Pittsburgh selects Georgia cornerback Kelee Ringo, who was once believed to be the top cornerback in this year's draft class.
Head coach Mike Tomlin said at the League Meetings that Patrick Peterson is going to be a leader to the younger players on the defense, and bringing in a still-developing Ringo allows the future Hall of Famer to do just that.
After Ringo, the Steelers continue their defensive draft with USC defensive lineman Tuli Tuipulotu at pick 49. From there, they finish their first three round with Sacramento State safety Marte Mapu.
Tuipulotu could be looked at as a potential starter at nose tackle for the Steelers. As for Mapu, he'll work with Minkah Fitzpatrick and Damontae Kazee at the safety position.
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