Steelers Mock Draft: New Names Take Over First Two Picks
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers are one week away from the NFL Draft, and the mocks are heating up. After bouncing around different names throughout the offseason, two new faces have appeared as the favorites for pick 17 and 32.
With the second-last mock of the year, it feels more clear than ever on the direction the Steelers will go. So, with pick 17, the Pittsburgh Steelers select...
Round 1, Pick 17: Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
The Steelers sit in a very interesting place at pick 17. It's hard to imagine a name like Paris Johnson Jr. or Broderick Jones falling to them, but it's also difficult to know which cornerback is their favorite - or what sleepers could be on their mind.
One thing is for sure, the Steelers have loved Bryan Bresee this entire draft period. They spent a good chunk of time with him at his Pro Day, invited him in for a pre-draft visit and there was once reports claiming he was one of two players they "loved" at pick 17.
Bresee comes to Pittsburgh with the ability to play immediately to some degree, and down the line develop into a star for either Cam Heyward or Larry Ogunjobi. Pittsburgh struggled with depth last season, but won't have that problem in 2023.
Round 2, Pick 32: Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami
Tyrique Stevenson could move his way into the first round, but for now, it's safe to say he's found himself a home early in the second - and the Steelers lock him up with the first pick in the round.
Stevenson is quickly moving up draft boards and possesses all the traits you'd look for in a corner. He doesn't have that top-tier athleticism or the speed for deeper routes, but he's not slow by no means, and if he can work on his reaction times, he's great corner.
Being able to develop behind Patrick Peterson is key, and the Steelers sending Ike Taylor to scout him at his Pro Day, and coming back saying he's a "dog" is a good sign they're interested.
Round 2, Pick 49: Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
The Steelers have an interesting relationship with Dawand Jones. They seemed all in on him at one point. So much so, that he was mocked to them at pick 17 a few times. But since then, the relationship has seemingly diminished, as his pre-draft visit was canceled and the Steelers were reportedly upset with him about not measuring at his Pro Day.
If he's the pick at 32, they won't draft him. Sitting there at 49, though, which feels like he will be, they'll still decide to take a flyer on him.
Jones will compete for a spot on the offensive line but shouldn't be viewed as someone who will bounce Chuks Okorafor or Dan Moore Jr. this season. He has the upside to turn into a reliable starter, but it's a big question mark if he's ever going to be a left tackle in the NFL.
At 49, there isn't a ton of risk on a player with the physical size that he has. Even if there are concerns about his motor, he's worth the pick - and Pittsburgh knows that.
Round 3, Pick 80: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Edge, Kansas State
After missing out on Bud Dupree, the Steelers are down to their last list of options for depth at outside linebacker. Luckily, they've done some homework in the NFL Draft, and Felix Anudike-Uzomah has been part of that preparation.
Anudike-Uzomah isn't a Day 1 starter in the NFL, but he does have the pass-rushing moves and execution to be a reliable option off the bench. He has plans on getting to the quarterback and isn't a one-trick pony off the edge.
Learning behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith will be beneficial, while also being a name the Steelers can lean on this season when needed.
Round 4, Pick 120: Jonathan Mingo, WR, Ole Miss
Pittsburgh went out and traded for Allen Robinson, meaning they've filled the major need they had at wide receiver. But it's unlikely they don't draft a wideout as well, and if Robinson does anything to their plans in the rookie class, it's probably more likely they bring in another weapon.
Mingo possesses the size and speed the Steelers are looking for. He has 4.4 speed and sits 6'2", 220 pounds. He can play the inside and outside, and even has some off-ball tight end on his resume.
Mingo can come in and play a depth role behind, well, everyone in Pittsburgh, and should be able to work his way into a rotation for the Steelers in year one.
Without reaching too high on a wideout, Mingo offers great upside in the middle of the draft.
Round 7, Pick 241: Starling Thomas V, CB, UAB
Thomas falling to 241 is a complete guess. At this point, you have no idea who's going to be on the board, or which teams are going to make surprise selections. All we know is that Thomas is a Day 3 candidate, and ending up in Pittsburgh makes sense.
Thomas ran a 4.28 40-yard dash at his Pro Day, but only standing 5'10 is a concern for any team. He'll be looked at as a player who can transition into the slot and compete for a role on the roster. Right now, Arthur Maulet is really the only name to watch at that position for the Steelers.
Round 7, Pick 251: Jaren Hall, QB, BYU
The Steelers aren't scouting late-round quarterbacks for nothing. They had a plan to turn Chris Oladokun into something last year, but it didn't work, and now they can try again. This time with a better opportunity.
Hall brings athleticism and a decent arm to the NFL. Is he a starter or even have a starter outlook on his career? No. But the Steelers aren't looking for Brock Purdy, they're looking for the next Mitch Trubisky or Mason Rudolph.
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