DEAL DONE: Steelers 7-Round Mock Draft Lands Another Son of a Pittsburgh Legend
As the NFL Draft approaches, the Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing to bolster their roster in hopes of returning to playoff contention and securing a spot in the postseason for the 2023 season. After a mixed performance during the regular season, Pittsburgh is eager to add pieces that will address some of their needs on both sides of the ball. And while the team’s front office and coaching staff focus on current operations, Steelers fans are buzzing with excitement as rumors swirl regarding potential draft picks.
In the latest 7-round mock draft, one thing stands out above all else: the Steelers are in position to land another son of a Pittsburgh legend. This time, it’s not just about talent; it’s about legacy. This article will break down how the Steelers could leverage their draft capital to fill key gaps, and why landing another familiar name – a player with ties to the Steel City’s rich history – could be the best move for the franchise as they look to build for the future.
The Steelers’ Current Draft Position and Needs
Before diving into specifics, let’s first take a look at the Steelers’ current draft position. As of the latest projections, the Steelers are in a relatively favorable spot in the first round, sitting within the mid-teens. With the team finishing just outside playoff contention in 2022, their draft picks are not as high as they might have hoped, but they are still well-positioned to land talent in key areas that could make an immediate impact.
With general manager Omar Khan now fully in control of the draft process and head coach Mike Tomlin overseeing player development, the Steelers are focused on improving across the board in 2023. Here’s a look at some of the most pressing needs for the team heading into the draft:
1.Offensive Line: Despite some improvement in 2022, the Steelers’ offensive line still has room to grow. Protecting quarterback Kenny Pickett and establishing a more consistent run game remain paramount.
2.Cornerback: The Steelers’ defense has often relied on a stout pass rush and dynamic safety play, but their cornerbacks have been inconsistent, especially in high-pressure moments. The secondary needs an upgrade.
3.Wide Receiver: With aging stars like Diontae Johnson and the departure of some key contributors, there’s a need for an infusion of youth and talent in the wide receiver room.
4.Edge Rusher: While T.J. Watt continues to be a dominant force, the Steelers need another pass rusher to pair with him to sustain pressure on quarterbacks.
5.Running Back: While Najee Harris is still the centerpiece of the Steelers’ backfield, having a reliable complement for depth and versatility could improve the offense.
With these needs in mind, we turn to how the Steelers could address them through the draft.
Round 1: Cornerback – Joey Porter Jr. (Penn State)
The first pick of the Steelers’ 2023 mock draft is a significant one. With the 17th overall pick, Pittsburgh lands Joey Porter Jr., the talented cornerback from Penn State. This selection is not just about filling a position of need, but it’s also about legacy. Joey Porter Jr. is the son of Joey Porter, a former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker who played a pivotal role in the franchise’s success during the early 2000s.
Why Joey Porter Jr.?
Porter Jr. brings an aggressive and physical style of play that fits perfectly into the Steelers’ defensive philosophy. At 6’2” and 194 pounds, Porter has the ideal size to match up against bigger, more physical receivers in the AFC North. His combination of length, speed, and coverage skills makes him an ideal candidate to help shore up the Steelers’ secondary, which has often struggled with consistency.
Porter Jr. is known for his ability to press receivers at the line of scrimmage, a trait that will allow him to be effective in Pittsburgh’s zone-heavy defense. He also has the awareness and instincts needed to make plays on the ball, having recorded multiple interceptions and pass breakups during his time at Penn State.
The Steelers have been looking for a true cornerback to pair with Minkah Fitzpatrick in the secondary, and Porter Jr. could be the perfect fit. His pedigree as the son of a Pittsburgh legend only adds to the intrigue. For the Steelers, drafting a player with family ties to the team can create a sense of continuity and pride.
Porter Jr. brings a level of toughness and grit that will resonate with the blue-collar ethos of Steelers Nation. With the team’s defensive culture built on physicality, Porter’s skillset would mesh well with Mike Tomlin’s defensive philosophy.
Round 2: Offensive Tackle – Broderick Jones (Georgia)
In the second round, the Steelers target an offensive lineman in Broderick Jones, the towering tackle from the University of Georgia. Jones is one of the top tackle prospects in the 2023 class, and with the Steelers’ ongoing offensive line issues, this pick represents an effort to solidify the trenches and better protect their young quarterback, Kenny Pickett.
Why Broderick Jones?
The Steelers have struggled to build a dominant offensive line for the past several seasons, and protecting Pickett should be a top priority. Jones has the physicality and mobility to be a day-one starter at left tackle or right tackle, giving the Steelers the flexibility to choose where he would be most impactful.
Jones stands at 6’4” and 315 pounds, with impressive strength and agility for his size. He was a key part of Georgia’s powerful offensive line that helped pave the way for the Bulldogs’ national championship victories in 2021 and 2022. His ability to both run block and pass protect would immediately elevate the Steelers’ offensive line, providing Pickett with more time in the pocket and opening up lanes for running back Najee Harris.
This pick is crucial for the Steelers, as they have struggled to build chemistry along the offensive line in recent years. Broderick Jones represents a long-term solution and a building block for the future of the offense.
Round 3: Wide Receiver – Jordan Addison (USC)
With the third-round pick, the Steelers take Jordan Addison, the explosive wide receiver from the University of Southern California. Addison, who won the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top wide receiver in 2021 while at Pittsburgh, brings elite route running, speed, and ball skills to the table.
Why Jordan Addison?
The Steelers’ receiving corps has experienced some turnover in recent years, and while Diontae Johnson and George Pickens provide solid production, Pittsburgh needs another dynamic pass-catcher to help diversify their offensive attack. Addison offers exactly what the Steelers need: a playmaker who can stretch the field and create separation in the intermediate and deep passing game.
At 5’11” and 175 pounds, Addison isn’t the biggest receiver, but he possesses excellent quickness and agility. He’s one of the best route runners in this draft class and has the ability to make defenders miss after the catch. Addison also has a strong connection to Pittsburgh, having played there for a couple of seasons before transferring to USC for his final year.
Given Pickett’s need for more weapons, Addison would provide a reliable target and give the Steelers a deep threat that could complement Pickens’ size and physicality on the other side.
Round 4: Edge Rusher – Isaiah Foskey (Notre Dame)
In the fourth round, the Steelers focus on the defensive side of the ball once again, selecting Isaiah Foskey, an edge rusher from Notre Dame. Foskey has all the physical tools necessary to develop into a productive pass rusher in the NFL.
Why Isaiah Foskey?
Although the Steelers already boast a top-tier edge rusher in T.J. Watt, they need another dynamic pass rusher to pair with him and sustain pressure on quarterbacks throughout the game. Foskey brings elite length and athleticism to the table, standing at 6’5” and weighing 265 pounds.
Foskey had an impressive career at Notre Dame, consistently pressuring the quarterback and finishing his collegiate career with double-digit sacks in each of his final seasons. His ability to disrupt plays off the edge would help complement Watt’s efforts, creating a more well-rounded pass rush for the Steelers.
Round 5: Running Back – Zach Charbonnet (UCLA)
In the fifth round, the Steelers select Zach Charbonnet, a running back from UCLA who possesses a blend of power and vision. While Najee Harris is the undisputed lead back, Charbonnet would provide an ideal complement with his ability to grind out tough yards and be effective in both the run and pass game.
Why Zach Charbonnet?
Charbonnet’s physical running style and ability to make defenders miss would provide Pittsburgh with a reliable backup option behind Harris. Charbonnet has been incredibly consistent at UCLA, running for over 1,000 yards in each of the past two seasons. He’s also an effective receiver out of the backfield, giving the Steelers versatility in their offensive game plan.
Round 6: Tight End – Cameron Latu (Alabama)
The Steelers turn their attention to the tight end position in round six, selecting Cameron Latu from Alabama. Latu is a well-rounded tight end who excels as both a blocker and a pass-catcher.
Why Cameron Latu?
Latu’s ability to contribute in multiple phases of the game makes him a solid addition to Pittsburgh’s offense. With tight end Pat Freiermuth already entrenched as the starter, Latu would provide depth and competition at the
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