Steelers rebuilding Mock Draft after Chase Claypool trade

2023 NFL mock draft: Jalen Carter #88 before the Georgia Bulldogs Spring game at Sanford Stadium on April 16, 2022 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
2023 NFL mock draft: Jalen Carter #88 before the Georgia Bulldogs Spring game at Sanford Stadium on April 16, 2022 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
Steelers
Sep 10, 2022; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs cornerback Emmanuel Forbes (13) against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Steelers 2023 mock draft Round 2: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State

The Bears’ pick gives the Steelers a lot of options in the second round. After addressing both sides of their lines, the team can address a wide variety of positions afterward. Personally, I see landing a cornerback as the next biggest need. Even if veteran William Jackson returns to form, the team needs a young and talented outside cornerback to take over a starting role.

There were a few names that made sense at this juncture, but I opted to grab Mississippi State’s Emmanuel Forbes. The junior has the size to play along the outside and is a physical force. He reminds me of the cornerback version of George Pickens: he is long-limbed, plays hard, and has a confidence about him when on the field.

He is battle-tested coming out of the SEC, and while he may need a season to get comfortable, he could be a viable starter long-term. His frame is small, which has caused issues with matching up against big receivers but adding some weight to him isn’t out of the question. The cornerback room is bare, and Forbes would be a huge help.