- By Mike Wilson
- mwilson@profootballtechs.com
The Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft
This is the latest Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft. The Steelers biggest needs are at OT, CB, and LB.
Round 1 Pick 17: CB Joey Porter Jr. – PSU
If Joey Porter Jr. is available at 17 then this will be their 1st Round selection. Porter Jr. would be an impact starter at the corner position, and would help elevate the already dangerous Steelers Defense.
From Lance Zierlein (NFL Analyst) – Ascending cornerback combining traits and above average play strength that create a clear definition of who he is as a player. He can reroute the release and has the frame to close catch windows against big receivers in press-man or Cover 2 looks. Delayed transitions and sluggish change of direction put him in conflict in off coverages, so teams must pay attention to matchups and scheme in order to avoid a field full of yellow laundry. There is work to be done to improve tackle consistency in the run game, but he finishes tackles after a catch. Porter has scheme limitations, but he also has CB1 potential with more work and if utilized properly.
Round 2 Overall Pick 32: OT Darnell Wright – Tennessee
The Steelers know that they need both a LT and RT, and they get their RT by drafting Darnell Wright. I don’t see the Steelers trading up to grab a LT, but instead I expect them to sign a free agent allowing them to draft RT in this draft position.
From Lance Zierlein (NFL Analyst) – Right tackle prospect who used his size and power to overcome athletic limitations and spotty technique on the collegiate level. The tape can be a little uneven for Wright with poor block finishes followed up by aggressive pancakes. He played with much better body control and footwork in 2022, though. Wright is capable of staying at right tackle at the next level provided he’s given protection help from time to time. While he was often a positional blocker at Tennessee, he’s a very talented drive blocker when allowed to fire out. There will be inconsistent outings, but Wright should develop into a decent starting tackle with the potential to kick inside if necessary.
Round 2 Overall Pick 49: G Steve Avila – TCU
With their second pick in the 2nd round, the Steelers will sure up their offensive line for Kenny Pickett by drafting Steve Avila. This is a versatile lineman that can play left guard or center. Avila is very good pass protector as well as a good run blocker. Avila will upgrade the interior of the Steelers line which struggled in run blocking last season: LG Kevin Dotson (61.1 PFF Run Block Grade), RG James Daniels (60.0 PFF Run Block Grade), and C Mason Cole (66.5 PFF Run Blocking Grade).
Round 3 Overall Pick 80: WR Nathaniel Dell – Houston
The Steelers add a shifty receiver to go along with Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Calvin Austin III (missed entire 2022 season), and Pat Freiermuth. Dell lead the nation with 102 catches last season. He had 1,355 receiving yards, average of 13.3 yards/catch, and 15 TDs in 2022. Over the last two years, Dell led the nation in receiving yards (2700) and TDs (29).
Round 4 Overall Pick 120: LB Dorian Williams – Tulane
Dorian Williams is a sideline-to-sideline linebacker. Williams has speed and clocked a 4.49 40-Yard Dash. Williams had 85 tackles, 31 assists, and 50 stops last season. He is pretty good in pass coverage, and he had 3 pass breakups and 2 interceptions in 2022.