No, it’s not perfect because Nostradamus is calling the shots. This perfect 2023 Pittsburgh Steelers mock draft is realistic for what the team could do this week, and also addresses almost every major need on the team. If Omar Khan needs tips, send him this mock draft.
Note: This was conducted on Pro Football Network’s Mock Draft Simulator, and only includes one trade so it doesn’t get ridiculous.
The Perfect 2023 Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft
Round One Monster Trade
When on the clock on Thursday, there could be multiple teams looking to move up to 17. In this scenario, the Steelers move back to 24 and gain an extra second-round pick, while the Jacksonville Jaguars move up to 17. This takes us to the first pick of the draft.
24. Bryan Bresee – Defensive Tackle
Context matters. At this point in the draft, Anton Harrison, Dawand Jones, and Broderick Jones were all still on the board. With that in mind, the Steelers go and get a defensive lineman with huge upside. Bresee dealt with injuries and personal issues but is a run stuffer who will slide in well in the Steelers system.
32. Anton Harrison – Offensive Tackle
With reports that the Steelers are souring on Dawand Jones, Harrison was an easy choice at 32. He is an athletic left tackle that is an immediate upgrade in the passing game. It should be noted that Harrison is not a run-blocking specialist, but can grow in that department over time.
49. Jack Campbell – Inside Linebacker
Even after the Steelers bolstered this position, Campbell was too enticing to pass up. He’s enormous, he’s a Butkus Award winner and he already looks great in the black and gold at Iowa. If the Steelers are looking for a playmaker in the middle of the team, this is the guy.
56. Bonus Pick: John Michael Schmitz – Center
This offensive line is going to be nasty in 2023. Adding a tackle in the first round, adding guards in free agency, and now the best center in the draft at 56. Michael Schmitz sits at 29 on the rookie big board, and is a steal at 56. A nice start to the perfect 2023 Pittsburgh Steelers mock draft.
John Michael Schmitz Draft Profile
80. Eli Ricks – Cornerback
Eli Ricks might not be the top-tier talent Alabama corners normally are. But he still held down the outside in one of the best defenses in college football. With Patrick Peterson as a mentor and plenty of competition in the room, Ricks can grow into something special.
120. Tank Bigsby – Running Back
Najee Harris is unquestionably the workhorse in this backfield. Jaylen Warren has shown the ability to hold down the fort when Harris needs a breather. But Tank will be able to take the workload off of Najee and keep fresh, talented legs in the backfield. His skill set also compliments Najee as a slightly smaller back with pass-catching ability. A steal this late in the draft.
241. Jason Taylor II – Safety/Special Teams
Taylor is a bigger safety who is a sure tackler. After Terrell Edmunds left in free agency, Taylor can compete in camp for snaps at safety. He had six interceptions as a senior and almost 100 tackles, which is a great profile for someone this late in the draft. Worst case scenario he can be a solid contributor on special teams with solid size and big hitting ability.
251. Malik Cunningham – Quarterback
If history tells us anything, the Steelers are going to have three quarterbacks at camp. They only have two on the roster, and Cunningham brings something different than the other two. He is a bit of a project but can be used in fun packages or developed as a solid backup.
Malik Cunningham Draft Profile
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
