Mock Draft: Steelers Make Blockbuster Trade Into Top 10
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers are only two weeks away from the NFL Draft, and as pre-draft visits slow down and draft boards become finalized, we have a pretty good understanding of this team's approach to their seven picks.
So far, the Steelers haven't been quiet about hiding their draft favorites. Dawand Jones and Kelee Ringo appear to be two names to watch, but recent reports claim there's some talk about Pittsburgh moving up into the top 10.
General manager Omar Khan isn't afraid to be aggressive, and if finding a true star is available to them, they're going to take it. And with that, we have our first All Steelers Mock Draft with a trade.
Round 1, Pick 9: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
Trade: Steeler send picks 17, 49, and a 2nd in 2024 to Chicago
The Steelers make a splash, and instead of waiting for Jones at 17, they go out and get a guarantee fit at left tackle in Paris Johnson Jr.
Johnson is one of the top three left tackles in the NFL Draft, and as he slides to the end of the top 10, Khan is on the phone with Ryan Poles to get a deal done.
There have already been conversations between the two about a potential trade. Chicago needs as many picks as they can get and Pittsburgh needs at least one superstar in the draft.
It feels like it'll work well for both sides, and the Steelers will land their left tackle.
Round 2, Pick 32: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
The name associated with the Steelers more than any other is Georgia cornerback Kelee Ringo. Pittsburgh has met with him at the NFL Combine, attended his Pro Day, held a top 30 visit, and have taken him out for dinner privately.
By moving up to 9, the Steelers allow themselves to grab a franchise left tackle. It also gives them the opportunity to sit back and select the cornerback they have their eyes on in Ringo.
Ringo needs time to develop but has all the physical assets you want in a corner. A once-believed top-10 pick will come into Pittsburgh and learn from Patrick Peterson and Levi Wallace while playing a role off the bench for the Steelers' secondary.
He's not the best corner in the draft class, but with 4.36 speed, standing 6'2", 207 pounds, he's got the base down to grow into a starter in this league.
Round 3, Pick 80: Gervon Dexter, DT, Florida
There are two names that feel set to be drafted by the Steelers. One of Wisconsin defensive tackle Keanu Bennett. The other is Florida's Gervon Dexter.
Dexter is a bit of a raw player in the third round but carries a 6'6", 310-pound frame and had 50-tackle seasons his final two years at Florida. He also finished his three years as a Gator with 10.5 tackles for loss, five sacks and two interceptions.
With the additions of Armon Watts and Breiden Fehoko, the Steelers don't necessarily need a day one starter on the defensive line. What they do need is quality depth with some nice upside, and Dexter carries eventual starter capability, topped with an opportunity to learn from Cam Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi.
Round 4, Pick 120: Jonathan Mingo, WR, Ole Miss
The Steelers want their style of slot wide receiver at some point this offseason, and after missing on some names in free agency, they'll head to the NFL Draft to find a rookie.
Pittsburgh has had some pretty good success finding mid-round wideouts, and with Mingo sitting here at 6'2", 220 pounds and running a 4.46 40-yard dash, he's the prototypical "Steelers receiver" they're looking for.
Mingo brings inside and outside capabilities with him to the NFL, which the Steelers need. They lack a starter at the slot, but are hoping for Calvin Austin and a rookie to fill that role. They also have zero depth on the outside, which Mingo fills as well.
Round 7, Pick 234: Daniel Scott, S, California
At this point in the draft, it's about who falls and who teams did some homework on. The seventh round is a complete guess by any NFL Draft analyst, and it's no different here.
The Steelers brought Scott in for a top 30 visit and do have a small need at safety. Tre Norwood hasn't turned into what they hoped for, and could be on the chopping block this summer.
Scott will have an opportunity to play safety and nickel for the Steelers.
Round 7, Pick 241: Clayton Tune, QB, Houston
The Steelers didn't bring Clayton Tune in for a pre-draft visit just to waste a top 30 meeting. What they did was assure they can find a reliable third quarterback who could develop into Kenny Pickett's backup.
Tune comes to the NFL with 104 touchdowns and 11,994 passing yards during his college career. He has no expectations except to grow behind Mitch Trubisky this season. And he's got the upside to remove the Steelers' need for a backup quarterback after his first year.
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