Parker Abate Mock Draft 3.0: Steelers Build Off Of Strong Free Agency And Address Key Needs

It has been an uncharacteristic and eventful free agency period for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023. The front office has addressed needs all over the field, adding to the offensive line, bringing in veteran cornerback, Patrick Peterson while also improving depth in other areas. April has now arrived and the organization will look to build further during the 2023 NFL Draft. Looking ahead, the mock draft below would be a perfect scenario for the franchise.

Pittsburgh is going to need a versatile defender who can play up at the line, in the slot and provide depth at the safety position. The recent signing of Keanu Neal makes it a little less of a priority, but the long-term solution next to Minkah Fitzpatrick is going to be available at #17.

1.) Steelers Take Brian Branch, S - Alabama In Round 1 With Pick #17

Branch was great for the Crimson Tide in 2022. He had three sacks and two interceptions, but what stood out the most was his 14 tackles for loss. He has the ability to play all over the field and Branch would be put in the same room as Fitzpatrick, who he has been vocal about potentially playing with. He was the best available here given the Steelers' needs.

2.) Round 2 - Pick #32 - Dawand Jones, OL - Ohio State

Jones isn't a true left tackle as of now, but with the strong criticism of Dan Moore Jr., Chukwuma Okorafor has avoided headlines. Okorafor signed a lucrative extension in 2022, but might be a cap casualty following the 2023 season if he doesn't perform. Pittsburgh could use a swing tackle who could emerge as an option on either side of the line. Jones is that guy.

3.) Round 2 - Pick #55 - Joe Tippmann, C - Wisconsin

Trade! Pittsburgh doesn't have a fifth or sixth round pick and the Detroit Lions were willing to give up the 55th, 152nd and 183rd overall picks to move up to 49. The opportunity presented itself to gain more draft capital and only giving up one selection and moving back six picks was worth it.

Mason Cole was a consistent piece of the Steelers' offensive line in 2022, but the team needs someone behind him other than Kendrick Green. Tippmann is a monster at 6'6" and would have the potential to turn into the center of the future.

4.) Round 3 - Pick #80 - Garrett Williams, CB - Syracuse

The Steelers are going to select a cornerback at some point in the draft, but it might not be as early as everyone thinks. The franchise hasn't had a good record recently in the area, but Williams could provide some stability in the secondary. He can play up at the line and thrives in man coverage. A torn ACL in 2022 is the main reason for his draft stock not being as high as it should be.

5.) Round 4 - Pick #120 - Kobie Turner, DL - Wake Forest 

Reinforcements for the defensive line have arrived. Turner had 10 tackles for loss and two sacks in 2022 in his only season at Wake Forest. The re-signing of Larry Ogunjobi doesn't mean the trenches up front on defense aren't important, but other needs take precedent and then Steelers are still able to land a guy who would fit in nicely in Pittsburgh.

6.) Round 5 - Pick #152 - Yasir Abdullah, Edge - Louisville

Another former ACC player is taken by the Steelers. Bud Dupree may end up returning to the Steel City, but it will only be on a one-year deal. This position will need to be addressed further. Abdullah had 31 tackles for loss, 19.5 sacks and two interceptions throughout his final two seasons at Louisville. Getting him in the fifth round could potentially end up being the steal of the team's draft.

7.) Round 6 - Pick #183 - Jalen Moreno-Cropper, WR - Fresno State

Moreno-Cropper's 4.4 speed would be welcomed into Pittsburgh's locker room. This position is certainly not complete and it wouldn't be the worst thing to find a pass catcher in the sixth round who turns out to be a stud. It's not like it would be the first time that happened. Moreno-Cropper caught 16 touchdown passes in his final two collegiate seasons and is an upgrade over current options on the depth chart.

8.) Round 7 - Pick #234 - Stetson Bennett, QB - Georgia

The Steelers take a quarterback in the seventh round two years in a row, but this time he hangs around. Pittsburgh made no moves in free agency to add a third signal-caller and there will be several available late in the draft. With two picks in the final round, Bennett brings an experienced and winning pedigree, but won't see the active roster as long as Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trubisky are healthy.

9.) Round 7 - Pick #241 - Mohamoud Diabate, LB - Utah

The trend from 2022 continues. A linebacker is also chosen in the seventh for the second straight season. Diabate is an incredibly athletic linebacker who has the ability to go sideline to sideline quickly. He had 13.5 tackles for loss and five sacks in 2022. Either he or Mark Robinson will make it into the season on the 53-man roster.

It was pivotal to bring in more draft capital and the trade with the Lions allowed for that. The ability to address a plethora of different needs made up for a successful draft which puts the Steelers in an even better position to compete for a Divisional Championship in 2023. Nine overall selections polishes off a solid first full offseason for Omar Khan as the General Manager.

Would you like if Pittsburgh went with the draft above?