Recent ESPN Mock Draft Has Steelers Scooping Up Arguably Best Corner In 2023 Class

The Pittsburgh Steelers front office has completely revamped the roster this offseason, leaving fans with hope for a postseason run in 2023. There are still pressing needs throughout the team though, and general manager Omar Khan realizes that. Via the team's official website, he told Max Starks that the team isn't necessarily done in free agency either. With the 2023 NFL Draft coming up though, focus will slowly start to shift to this year's prospects.

Of course, a vast majority of the organization has been on the road scouting over the past few weeks. Head coach Mike Tomlin, Khan, and several others have attended a number of Pro Days around the country. Cornerback is quite possibly the biggest need on the team at the moment, even after the signing of Patrick Peterson. The 12-year veteran could even play some safety in 2023, as Tomlin told media on Monday.

That likely pushes the team even more to draft a corner early in the upcoming draft, even if Peterson doesn't necessarily become a full-time safety. Mock drafts continue to fly around, and ESPN's Mike Tannenbaum, who is a former NFL general manager and executive, released his updated version on Tuesday morning. He had an interesting name falling to the Steelers with the 17th overall pick.

"The Steelers allowed the fourth-highest yards per pass attempt (7.5) and tied for the second-most touchdowns passes against (29) in 2022. Cam Sutton has been replaced with Patrick Peterson, but Pittsburgh still needs a young cornerback. I love Witherspoon's fit in the Steelers' scheme; he is tough, competitive and an effective tackler. And among FBS qualified defenders, Witherspoon allowed the second-fewest yards per pass attempt (3.3). I consider him the most physical cornerback in this year's draft, too," Tannenbaum said.

Witherspoon is widely regarded as the best cornerback in this year's class, often times going in the Top 10 of most mock drafts. In this specific mock, the draft board shaped up a bit different than others. In the first 16 picks, five quarterbacks, which surprisingly included Hendon Hooker from Tennessee, were selected. Another five offensive tackles were picked, including the Steelers' top options available. 

Would you prefer Christian Gonzalez or Witherspoon as Steelers' 1st pick?

With Oregon corner Christian Gonzalez off the board as well, it left an easy option for Tannenbaum with the Steelers. The black and gold want as many quarterbacks selected as possible in the first part of the opening round. That will allow a few options to possibly fall to them at 17, whether it be a corner like Witherspoon or a top offensive tackle. Due to an average performance at the Combine, there does seem to be a slimmer of hope that the Illinois cornerback falls to the black and gold.

What is your dream scenario for the Steelers with the 17th pick? Could you foresee any chance that Witherspoon falls that far? Do you think cornerback or offensive tackle is a bigger need in the draft?