The Steelers were active at the trade deadline and have seemed to embrace the rebuild, and here is an updated mock draft for the team.
The Steelers have had a disappointing 2022 season, to say the least. Despite some hope that this team would come together and at least look competitive this year, it hasn’t been the case. The defense has been a wreck since T.J. Watt was lost. Somehow, the offense has been even worse, as they haven’t been able to consistently move the ball this season.
The trade deadline came and went, and the Steelers made a big move that pushes them toward a rebuild. Chase Claypool was shipped off to Chicago in exchange for a second-round pick. That is a huge deal considering just how many needs this team has. The fact that they got the Bears’ original pick as well is significant, as that means the Steelers could have three picks in the top 40 once the draft rolls around.
While there is still a lot of time for the needs of this team to change, I wanted to take a minute to put up a mock draft for this team given the new pick and the multitude of needs. To be clear, this mock draft doesn’t address every need (there aren’t enough picks to do that), but it is my best attempt at filling the important needs for the team as of now. With all of that said, here is an updated Steelers mock draft.
Steelers 2023 mock draft, Round 1: Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia
Let me be clear upfront, while I’m not projecting trades in this mock draft, the Steelers should absolutely look to trade back from this pick. There are a lot of needs on this team right now, and some of their biggest needs don’t align with the strength of the top five players in the draft. There aren’t trades here though, so I went with the best player available.
Jalen Carter is widely seen as one of the top prospects in the draft class. He can play all over the defensive line and has a quick first step. With the star of the Steelers line near the end of his carrier and a lack of star power behind him, this team could use a dominant player. Carter fits that mold, as he can penetrate the backfield on run plays and get after the quarterback.
My biggest concern with him is his lack of sack production (despite great tape) and he lacks the typical size the team wants in an end. Personally, trading back would be the better play, but staying put, Carter makes the most sense. He could develop into a top-tier lineman down the road given his skill set. He would make sense assuming the team stays pat.