2023 NFL Mock Draft: Cowboys bolster defense, CJ Stroud finds new home
By Randy Gurzi
DT. Jalen Carter. 55. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Georgia. 4
4. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
The Pittsburgh Steelers were the only team to draft a quarterback in Round 1 last season as they took Kenny Pickett. A product of Pitt, Pickett has struggled some but he’s also shown enough to earn a full season as the starter in 2023.
Pittsburgh does have some young talent around him on offense, and while any team can always use more, they decide to focus on defense because of that. With the fourth pick here, they bring in Jalen Carter from Georgia to strengthen their defensive line.
With T.J. Watt injured, the Steelers’ pass rush hasn’t been dominant. While Carter might not rack up the stats in this department, he’s a disruptive force that will command a lot of attention, which frees up players such as Watt to get after the quarterback with more ease.
OT. 5. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Northwestern. Peter Skoronski. 28
5. Las Vegas Raiders: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
After Johnathan Abram was waived, it became even more apparent just how bad of a job Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock did running the Las Vegas Raiders. They’ve released several of their first-round picks with Clelin Ferrell and Josh Jacobs likely gone in the offseason.
One of the few picks they did hit on was Kolton Miller, who has been a solid left tackle. However, they need someone on the right side which is why they add Peter Skoronski from Northwestern here. This class isn’t elite along the O-line but Skoronski is the top player and is talented enough to play on either side.