Steelers mock draft, Day 2: Landing steals after Broderick Jones pick
49. Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
Pick Analysis. LB. Clemson. 55. Scouting Report. Trenton Simpson. 49. player
With their second of two second-round picks, the Pittsburgh Steelers take advantage of the fall of Clemson linebacker Trenton Simpson, a 6-foot-2, 235-pound absolute baller. Simpson runs a 4.48 and has just overall ridiculous athleticism…
Trenton Simpson is a LB prospect in the 2023 draft class. He scored a 9.84 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 43 out of 2652 LB from 1987 to 2023. https://t.co/StaagLlc8N pic.twitter.com/77r2eZXr87
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 28, 2023
Simpson’s athletic ability translates to a flexible on-field role. He is an obvious weapon with that level of speed and explosiveness, and ESPN’s Jordan Reid says he likes the way Simpson played (and was utilized) better in 2021 than what we saw in 2022.
"I liked his role in 2021 better compared to how he was used in 2022. Best as a WLB. A+ blitzer, explosive tackler, creates disruption in the backfield. Lots of similarities to Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. Jordan Reid, ESPN"
The Steelers just said goodbye to former first-round pick Devin Bush this offseason and their current off-ball linebackers include the likes of Elandon Roberts and Cole Holcomb. Adding a player like Simpson makes a ton of sense if he’s available at this spot.
80. Tyjae Speaers, RB, Tulane
Pick Analysis. 55. Scouting Report. RB. Tulane. Tyjae Spears. 80. player
The Pittsburgh Steelers are the masters of taking Day 2 offensive skill players. Specifically at the wide receiver position, this team has been absolutely outstanding at identifying talent on Day 2 of the NFL Draft, but the running back position hasn’t been all bad in that regard, either.
The Steelers seem to cycle through what positions they target on Day 2 as it relates to the offensive skill positions, but this is clearly something they emphasize. This year, I think getting a solid RB2 behind Najee Harris could be the move with how deep of a running back class this is. Tyjae Spears is one of the favorite backs of the NFL Draft community and he would bring a ton of physicality, contact balance, and pass-catching chops to this Steelers arsenal.