Steelers 2023 Mock Draft: The Final Product
PITTSBURGH -- The NFL Draft is finally here, and after months of discussing all the different avenues the Pittsburgh Steelers could take, the last mock draft is finally here.
The Steelers have given us everything this offseason. There are positions to watch, but some sleepers to pay attention to, and possibly some trades ahead for this team.
It's been a wild ride trying to connect all the dots, but after putting it all out in front of us, here's how the Steelers' 2023 NFL Draft class should shake out.
Round 1, Pick 17: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
We've gone full circle, but it just makes too much sense for the Steelers to pass on Joey Porter Jr. He has all the size and physical traits you want in an NFL star, and with his familiarity to the team, you know they see plenty of upside in this kid.
There's potential for an offensive tackle, and even names like Nolan Smith have been tossed out recently. But if Porter is sitting there at 17, Mike Tomlin, Art Rooney and Omar Khan will be thrilled to add the corner they've had their eyes on this entire process.
(TRADE) Round 1, Pick 25: Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
*Steelers send pick 32 and a 2024 pick to the New York Giants*
The splash we've all been waiting for, right? The Steelers bringing in Darnell Washington for a pre-draft visit started to get the juices flowing on this move. Then, Tomlin acknowledging how good this tight end class was set off all the alarms.
Pittsburgh understands the position they're in and how valuable that 32nd pick is. If they can move back into the first round and grab a player they believe can help in a number of ways, they're going to. Washington checks that box.
Having a 6'7" tight end certainly helps a developing quarterback. He's an instant red zone threat, which the Steelers struggled in last season, and he's automatically the team's best blocking tight end.
This isn't a demotion to Pat Freiermuth, but it is to Zach Gentry. As for Connor Heyward, it shouldn't surprise anyone if he's operating as a fullback/slot receiver this season.
Round 2, Pick 49: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, OLB, Kansas State
This pick hasn't changed for me. The Steelers need an edge rusher and Anudike-Uzomah matches all the boxes. He's fast, physical and has the potential to contribute from day one behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith.
The Steelers raved about how deep this edge rusher class was during their pre-draft press conference. They understand they can't go another season banking on Watt and Highsmith to stay healthy all 17 games.
They need an edge rusher and Anudike-Uzomah sitting here at 49 is their answer.
Round 3, Pick 80: Marvin Mims, WR, Oklahoma
Even with the addition of Allen Robinson, the Steelers aren't going to shy away from the wide receiver position in the 2023 NFL Draft. They know they have to add as many weapons as possible around Kenny Pickett, and plugging in some speed is almost a necessity.
Marvin Mims adds a slot receiver with speed to the mix with Calvin Austin, and allows Robinson to play both the inside and outside.
With 4.38 speed, Mims gives Pittsburgh exactly what they're looking for in a wide receiver in the NFL Draft.
Round 4, Pick 120: Kei'Trel Clark, CB, Louisville
The Steelers have been reported to be high on Clark throughout the draft process, and double dipping at cornerback seems like a move this team will make in the NFL Draft.
Arthur Maulet wasn't their favorite coverage corner last season and they'd probably like to have another option on the inside alongside him. Clark, as well as Patrick Peterson moving inside at times, could add those options.
He might not be a day-one starter, and needs to work on his physicality for a smaller corner, but he should be able to be a contributor from the jump and then develop into the team's slot/nickel.
Round 7, Pick 241: Tyrus Wheat, EDGE, Mississippi State
Adding two edge rushers? Even if the Steelers are only taking a flyer on the position at this point, bulking up the depth at outside linebacker isn't the wrong move.
At this point in the draft, everything is a guess. No one knows how the board will fall this late, and what players are going to be a priority later in the draft for certain teams.
Wheat has the athleticism and physical traits to succeed off the edge and had a consistent three-year starting career at Mississippi State. Pittsburgh always has four edge rushers on their roster, and allowing another rookie to compete for a spot makes sense at this point.
Round 7, Pick 251: Jaren Hall, QB, BYU
The Steelers aren't drafting a quarterback where it counts, but they still need a third QB this summer, and Jaren Hall feels like the right fit for this team.
An athletic quarterback, Hall brings the capability to play any of the AFC North QBs during practice, and adds enough upside to think he could develop into a decent backup.
With Mitch Trubisky's contract ending after the season, the Steelers will want a plan in place. On top of that, they always bring three quarterbacks into training camp.
Hall is an easy way to walk out of the NFL Draft.
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