2023 NFL Mock Draft: Baker Mayfield replaced by Carolina Panthers
By Randy Gurzi
Ohio State. 8. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. OT. 55. Paris Johnson
8. Pittsburgh Steelers: Paris Johnson, OT, Ohio State
At some point this season, the Pittsburgh Steelers are going to have to see what Kenny Pickett has since it’s clear Mitch Trubisky isn’t it. Pickett might not be elite at this point but it would be better to start getting him reps — and it’s not as if he can be worse.
Having said that, they do need to improve the offensive line in front of him which is what they do at No. 8, bringing in Paris Johnson from Ohio State. Johnson has played all over the line for the Buckeyes and can help Pittsburgh no matter where they decide he fits best.
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. WR. 9. Ohio State. Jaxon Smith-Njigba. player. 44
9. Atlanta Falcons: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
There were two big-name receivers from Ohio State that made it into the first round this past season but Jaxon Smith-Njigba was able to put up numbers even they couldn’t match. He’s not exactly a burner and doesn’t have elite traits, but he just gets open and hauls in anything within his reach.
The 6-foot-0, 197-pound Smith-Njigba had 95 receptions for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns a year ago. He’s dealing with a hamstring issue right now but once he’s back to 100 percent, he should cement himself as the best wideout in this class.
For the Atlanta Falcons, this would be the second season in a row they landed the first receiver after taking Drake London in 2022. Doing so turns one of their biggest weaknesses into a massive strength.