Sunday, January 15, 2023

Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 3.0

Throughout the year and leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft, we will update our Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Pittsburgh Steelers from several prominent sites and draft analysts.

The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Steelers:

CBS Sports - Stackpole (1/13)

17. Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma

As long as T.J. Watt is healthy, the Steelers defense will be just fine. Anton Harrison will help ensure Kenny Pickett stays clean in the pocket, Najee Harris has holes to run through, and George Pickens has time to get open.

San Diego Union Tribune - Brown (1/12)

17. Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma

Uncharacteristically, the Steelers have had a problematic offensive line for a few years now. Harrison features the prototypical size and movement skills of starting left tackle in the NFL. He'll need to polish his technique (but he's already very good in pass protection) and buy-in to an NFL strength program in order to unlock the next level.

NBC Sports Chicago - Morgan (1/12)

17. Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

Rarely confused or displaced by stunting blitzers, Jones' fundamental approach to the game is enhanced by his elite athleticism and above average strength. Featuring excellent size (6-foot-4, 315 pounds) and impressive arm length allows Jones to sting and neutralize power rushers. His quick feet and loose lateral movements help in keeping tempo with speedy edge defenders. Jones may be the most athletically gifted offensive line prospect in the 2023 draft class.

Yahoo! Sports - McDonald (1/11)

17. Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma

Kenny Pickett and Najee Harris need help up front. Harrison has the athleticism to grow into a beast for the Steelers.

Walter Football (1/11)

17. Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland

Kenny Pickett has enjoyed some bright moments in his rookie season. It would really help him if he had a franchise left tackle to protect his blind side.

Jaelyn Duncan is a team captain who showed some solid athleticism.

CBS Sports - Trapasso (1/11)

17. Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina

Smith's tenacity as an outside press corner fits what the Steelers want out of their defensive backs.

USA Today - MMS (1/10)

17. Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State

There might be a few things to iron out in this potential marriage, as the elder Porter served as an assistant coach for his former team from 2014-18 but was fired by Mike Tomlin. But there's little doubt that Porter's ultra-physical approach would make him a fast favorite in Pittsburgh, and the Steelers could find themselves in a tough spot if Cameron Sutton signs elsewhere in March.

Bleacher Report (1/9)

17. Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech

The Pittsburgh Steelers are further ahead in their attempt to rebuild on the fly than expected. They found a way to compete for a playoff spot despite a 2-6 start to the campaign. In doing so, rookie Kenny Pickett emerged as the team's starting quarterback and a young leader for the franchise as it moves into the future.

Some restoration projects are necessary for the rest of the roster, though.

Pittsburgh's defensive line has long been considered a strength, but Stephon Tuitt's surprise retirement before the 2022 campaign placed the Steelers in a bit of a predicament.

"Larry Ogunjobi played on a one-year deal this season, and Cameron Heyward will be 34 years old next season," Holder added. "Pittsburgh has always been known for having tough, physical defensive linemen, and Texas Tech's Tyree Wilson fits the bill.

"Wilson's tape this past fall ranks right up there with Will Anderson Jr.'s as one of the most physically dominant players in this year's draft class. Wilson looked like a man amongst boys at times against those Big 12 Conference offensive tackles."

The 6'6", 275-pound first-team All-American is an intimidating presence. For the Steelers, he's an ideal fit because he can play along the interior, line up as a 5-technique and even stand up in two-point on the edge when necessary.

The 33rd Team (1/9)

17. Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State

We've had this connection pegged for some time, so we are sticking with it. His father was a linebacker for the Steelers.

PFF - Renner (1/9)

17. Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina

Smith is the kind of heady defensive back that head coach Mike Tomlin will love. He brings with him some of the best ball skills at the cornerback position in the draft class. On 70 targets into his coverage over the past two seasons, Smith broke up 15 of them (21.4%) and picked off four more (5.7%).

MORE TEAMS: All NFL Team Mock Draft Roundups

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