Mock Draft: Steelers Land Four Starters
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers are packed up and on their way to the biggest pre-draft week of the offseason - the NFL Combine. But before they get settled in Indianapolis, they already have some idea of how their draft plans are playing out.
With four picks in the top 80, one NFL Draft expert believes they will land four starters this offseason. Here are All Steelers, we believe the same, and in our Steelers Mock Draft release, that's exactly what they find.
Round 1, Pick 17: Brian Branch, DB, Alabama
The Steelers don't necessarily need safety help, but Brian Branch offers exactly what Mike Tomlin and Pittsburgh's defense LOVES in a defensive back - versatility.
With Arthur Maulet hitting the open market and the Steelers not having a true slot/nickel cornerback, Branch immediately finds a place on the field for this defense. Then, his ability to drop back into a box safety will provide the three-safety looks Pittsburgh fell in love with last season.
Branch shouldn't find his way to the middle of the first round, but he's going to, and when he does, the Steelers aren't going to miss.
Round 2, Pick 32: O'Cyrus Torrence, OG, Florida
While everyone is talking about replacing Dan Moore Jr., the Steelers know that their most important offensive line need this offseason is left guard. Kevin Dotson did not impress last season, has a history of injuries and is entering the final year of his rookie contract.
Tomlin was all over the offensive linemen at the Senior Bowl. Torrence was by far the most impressive player within the group, and if he slides to the end of round one, which he should, the Steelers won't hesitate.
He and Dotson will immediately compete for the starting job this summer.
Round 2, Pick 49: Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor
The Steelers have needed defensive line depth for years, but this offseason, they're going to make it a priority. The expectation is for Larry Ogunjobi to return to defensive end for another season, and Cam Heyward will start at defensive tackle. What about nose tackle, though?
Ika has a Javon Hargrave feel to his play, and his versatility will allow the Steelers to plug-and-play him at nose this season and then move to different gaps when needed.
The youth movement has begun on the defensive line with DeMarvin Leal, but Ika adds an instant starter to play in the middle. No questions about what position he'll have to step into at the NFL level.
That's starter number three.
Round 3, Pick 80: Kyu Blu Kelly, CB, Stanford
And finally, the fourth "starter," Kyu Blu Kelly. Not only does Tomlin have family ties with Kelly, but he also got an up-close look at his play during the Senior Bowl, where Kelly shined.
Re-signing Cam Sutton will provide the Steelers with two cornerback starters in Sutton and Levi Wallace. Branch fills up the slot and nickel, but Kelly will essentially become the team's fourth starter in the draft.
That third cornerback also plays a pivotal role in Pittsburgh, and that's exactly what Kelly fills in year one. When Sutton or Wallace step off the field, Kelly is on. When Sutton slides inside so Branch can play safety, Kelly is on the field.
He needs to work on his tackling, but in the Steelers' defense, they won't wait to sharper that sword. And in a cornerback class that's loaded with stars, finding Kelly in the third round is a steal for most cornerback drafts.
Round 4, Pick 120: Carter Warren, OT, Pitt
Now, while Moore is going to be replaced in the NFL Draft this season, the Steelers still know they need depth on the offensive line. Carter shouldn't make it to the fourth round, but because of his late-season injury, he's going to slide.
Pittsburgh will ask Kenny Pickett about his when his name begins to reach the 120th pick. He's not going to have anything but great things to say about his college left tackle. And when he hits their pick in the fourth round, they aren't going to waste anytime bringing him next door.
Round 7, Pick 236: Tyrus Wheat, EDGE, Mississippi State
The Steelers will likely make a small splash in free agency and bring in an outside linebacker. That'll provide them with three edge rushers that they feel confident in for the upcoming season. But they still like to have four on the roster, and a Mississippi State player with serious physical upside is an easy grab in the seventh round.
The Steelers will be looking for those Mark Robinson-like players this late. Guys who have all the tools but need a coaching staff to try and build them up. That fits Okie to a T.
Round 7, Pick 243: Michael Wilson, WR, Stanford
The Steelers always draft a wide receiver, and even if they don't have the biggest need for one this offseason, they're likely to go stay on trend in 2023.
Art Rooney II was very straightforward when I asked him about finding more weapons for Pickett this offseason.
"I think we have a lot of good young players on offense, so we may have a lot of the pieces around him that we need," Rooney said during his season-end media session. "Now, you can always use another piece. And, you know, we'll be looking for the other pieces. But I think we have a pretty good young group there."
It sure sounds like the Steelers like the pieces they have in place. That being said, they aren't going to turn down another addition, especially late in the draft.
Wilson shined at the Senior Bowl and if it wasn't for injury troubles during college, he had an opportunity to really shine during his time at Stanford. Instead, he'll hope an NFL team calls his name during the draft, and with the 243rd pick, the Steelers will.
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