ESPN's Todd McShay Changes Steelers Selection In Latest 2023 NFL Mock Draft

It is no secret that the Pittsburgh Steelers may target a left tackle with the 17th overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. The left side of the offensive line improved at the end of the 2022 season and more importantly, stayed healthy, but the future protecting second-year quarterback, Kenny Pickett may not be in the locker room yet. It shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone if the front office loves a blindside protector and takes him in the first round to ensure a long relationship inside the huddle with Pickett.

Dan Moore Jr. is entering his third season in 2022 and the argument can be made that he deserves a shot to be the long-term answer, but some of the offensive lineman is the 2023 draft class might make that difficult for him. One in particular, who has consistently been mocked to the Steelers, is University of Georgia product, Broderick Jones.

Jones is 6'4" and 311 pounds with the ability to bully opposing defenders. In ESPN's latest mock draft from analyst, Todd McShay, Pittsburgh selects Jones 17th overall and finds the left tackle of the future.

"Pittsburgh brought in Isaac Seumalo this March to shore up the interior offensive line, but there are still questions at offensive tackle. And protection is key when you have a young QB running the offense. Jones allowed zero sacks over 15 starts last season, showcasing quick feet and explosive upper-body power for the national champion Bulldogs, and he'd be a good value get at this point in the draft. Jones would also help open lanes for Najee Harris in the run game."

In his previous mock draft, McShay had the Steelers surprisingly taking cornerback, Emmanuel Forbes in the first round. Forbes is flying up draft boards after an impressive couple of months, but it's hard to deny that Jones wouldn't be a better fit for the team at this moment given the depth of the cornerback class. One can be taken a little later on.

The luxury of having an experienced starter in Moore would allow the team to ease Jones into the offense instead of throwing him into the fire right away. Of course, the writing may be on the wall in relation to Moore's future if the organization selects a true left tackle in the first round of the draft.

Jones excels in pass protection and would be a crucial addition that allows for Pickett to take his time in the pocket moving forward. He has solid footwork and played in college football's best conference and had 19 starts under his belt. He projects to be a steady lineman at the professional level for a long time.

The Steelers Offense Gets Undoubtedly Better If Jones Is Taken

With Pickett on the team as the new franchise quarterback, it would make sense to target a franchise left tackle to protect him for the next 10 years. Jones can be that guy, but doesn't necessarily have to start in Week 1 of the 2022 regular season. There's no denying, though, that it would be nice to have someone with his skill and capabilities ready to block Myles Garrett twice a year.

In the first pick of the second round, McShay has Pittsburgh going after the defensive side of the ball and in the trenches as well. University of Michigan defensive lineman, Mazi Smith is the pick.

"Pittsburgh is typically strong up the middle, and it already has Cameron Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi in place. But considering the electrifying rushing attacks that the Steelers face in their division, securing depth at defensive tackle isn't a bad call. At 6-foot-3 and 323 pounds, Smith's game is all about power, and he's a plug-and-play nose tackle in the NFL."

Pittsburgh's final pick of the two-round mock draft addresses another key need and this time it's in the secondary. The cornerback class is the deepest it has been in years and the organization decides to select Cam Smith out of the University of South Carolina.

"The Steelers replaced Cameron Sutton with Patrick Peterson, who turns 33 this July. Cornerback is a big question mark for them this season, and Smith utilizes his high-end instincts and speed to jump routes and come away with interceptions. He had six over four seasons and joins a team that tied for the league-lead there last season."

Would you like the Steelers to take Jones if he his available at pick #17? Do you like the other two selections with the Smiths?