Looking Forward to the 2023 Draft: Mock Draft Final

 With round one of the actual 2023 NFL Draft just a couple of days away, it is time for one more dive into an attempt to mock out just who the Steelers may choose with their seven selections.

Pick #17
It really is incredible how many quality players are available here.  Most notable in this third mock is that Deonte Banks has moved up the PFF board, moving past Joey Porter Jr. to the #18 position in PFF's rankings.  In this mock, as in previous iterations, PFF's #1 ranked tight end (Dalton Kincaid) is available, as is their top-rated safety (Brian Branch), the #2 ranked interior defensive lineman (Calijah Kancey), the #3 edge defender (Myles Murphy), and the previously mentioned Deonte Banks who is PFF's third-rated cornerback.

During Monday's press conference, Mike Tomlin made it clear that he does not see any glaring weaknesses in his team, implying that they will look to select the best player available.  He also discussed the evolution of specialization in the NFL, specifically mentioning situational defensive backs as something new to the NFL schemes. With that in mind, along with the knowledge that cornerback is a position with significant depth in this draft, the selection here is Brian Branch. 

SELECTION: Brian Branch (S/Alabama)

Pick #32
In this mock draft, some of the more notable players available here were PFF's #1 rated offensive guard (O'Cyrus Torrence), their #1 rated linebacker (Jack Campbell), the #3 tight end (Darnell Washington), the #2 interior defender (Mazi Smith), and the #5 offensive tackle (Dawand Jones). The Steelers' offseason moves have included signing two offensive guards, and while a spot is likely to open later this offseason (i.e., Kendrick Green seems at risk of being cut) it seems less likely the team would go that route with this pick. Meanwhile, in previous mock drafts, I have argued that the defensive line is an area of need, and Smith would be a quality selection. Linebacker? Campbell is good, excelling as a run stopper but struggling a bit in pass coverage. As for tight end, PFF sees Washington as a third rounder. 

As a fan, I was not enamored with any of these options but also did not want to reach down the board to take a cornerback. There is a lot of value in this pick, especially for teams without first-round selections (e.g., Miami and Denver).

SELECTION: Mazi Smith (DL/Michigan)

Pick #49
Having done a fair number of mock drafts, at this point a lot of the names are recognizable -- Tyrique Stevenson (CB, Miami), D.J. Turner (CB, Michigan), Antonio Johnson (PFF's #2 rated safety, Texas A&M). But a couple of offensive players caught my eye this time around: Zach Charbonnet (RB, UCLA) and Cody Mauch (T, North Dakota State). As in my second mock draft, I am always ready to show some love to my alma mater and this time is no exception. Charbonnet was a dynamic performer in his final season at UCLA, both as a runner and as a pass catcher. While I recognize that selecting a running back is improbable, some team is going to get a phenomenal talent. But, Cody Mauch is just too good to pass up -- in the past three seasons he gave up a combined total of three sacks, five QB hits, and 16 QB hurries.

SELECTION: Cody Mauch (OT, North Dakota State)

Pick #80
This is another spot where trading down, especially if the Steelers were to get a second or third-round selection in next year's draft makes some sense. However, the player I ultimately selected is rated as sixth-best at his position by PFF and "is one of the best coverage linebackers in the class, boasting a 6-foot-8 wingspan and 4.49 speed."

SELECTION: Dorian Williams (LB/Tulane)

Pick #120
So many offensive linemen are still available here, including PFF's third-best offensive guard (Chandler Zavala, N.C. State).  Also notable is the fifth-best safety (Anthony Johnson Jr., Iowa State). But because the Steelers next pick is not until 241, I was willing to look down the board a bit to see what else might be available, ultimately decided on another cornerback.

SELECTION: Jaylon Jones (CB/Texas A&M)

Pick #241
Seventh-round picks are seventh-round picks for a reason (Brock Purdy notwithstanding). Athleticism is key, and if a team can find a player good enough to stick to the roster that is a win. In this mock draft there were just a bushel of linemen, both offensive and defensive, along with wide receivers and running backs. But the player who seemed to offer the most value, though a bit undersized and a USC alum, is PFF's seventh-rated center.

SELECTION:  Brett Neilon (C/USC)

Pick #251
Who really knows? However, this linebacker has performed well in pass coverage but missed more tackles than one would prefer.

SELECTION: Aubrey Miller Jr. (LB/Jackson State)

And here is how PFF graded me:

Definitely a mixed back. The only selection I would change is choosing Dorian Williams in the third round -- chances seem pretty good that he would have been there at #120.