The main part of free agency is over. Now, it's onto the main event of the offseason: The NFL Draft.
Despite having several needs to address on the Steelers' roster, Omar Khan has already overhauled inside linebacker and the interior of the offensive line, while also adding depth to virtually every one of those positions ahead of the draft. And, in the case of the team's top free agent, Cam Sutton, leaving for a hefty payday, Khan replaced him with a future Hall of Famer, Patrick Peterson, who's coming off a productive season in Minneapolis.
All things considered, free agency couldn't have gone much better for Pittsburgh. They've been able to address a number of needs while maintaining cap flexibility. And, most important, it gives the Steelers a lot of freedom with how they attack this year's draft.
"We've been able to do some things in free agency that I feel like provides a clean slate for us from a draft perspective," Mike Tomlin said Monday at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. "We don't have any glaring needs. We're able to look at the board in totality and not be swayed inappropriately in any specific way.That's just kind of the framework of some of the things that we've done and why we feel prepared and good."
In Mock Drafts 1.0 and 2.0, I dove head first into a full seven-round mock for just the Steelers. In 3.0, I changed the perspective to a full first-round mock draft, and it had such a good reaction that I'm doing the same for our final mock draft on the eve of the big night.
While it's interesting to project what the entire haul might be for the Steelers, doing it this way gives us the path to see what options could be available for the Steelers with the 17th overall pick. And, we can also get a glimpse of what options might be available with that precious first selection on Day 2 of the draft.
Throughout several draft sites, the Steelers are consistently mocked to select a cornerback or tackle in the first round. But, with the flexibility the Steelers have, and a few different spots on the roster that need an infusion of young talent, there's a very real possibility the draft doesn't play out in a way that makes the selection at 17 a lock for just one or even two positions. There are other options that must be considered, especially when we factor in the depth at cornerback in this year's draft.
Remember, there are only 31 picks in the first round. The Dolphins surrendered their first-round selection as punishment for tampering violations.
1. CAROLINA PANTHERS (via Chicago)
BRYCE YOUNG, QB, ALABAMA
Mock Draft 3.0: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
The Panthers didn't trade up to the first overall pick for no reason. Whether it's Young or not, Carolina will be looking for their franchise quarterback.
2. HOUSTON TEXANS
C.J. STROUD, QB, OHIO STATE
Mock Draft 3.0: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Most likely, the Texans will take the other choice between Young and Stroud. So, the choice here is simple, especially when you consider they have another pick at No. 12. Get your franchise quarterback here.
3. ARIZONA CARDINALS
WILL ANDERSON JR., EDGE, ALABAMA
Mock Draft 3.0: Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama
Trading down with a team looking for a quarterback is a very real possibility here. In fact, I'd be more shocked if Arizona actually made their Day 1 selection from this spot. But, if the Cardinals stand pat, drafting the best defensive player on the board -- at a position of need, no less -- is the logical way to go.
4. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
ANTHONY RICHARDSON, QB, FLORIDA
Mock Draft 3.0: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
The Colts will be one of the teams wanting a quarterback, and I'm sticking with my pick from my previous mock draft. With Shane Steichen coming over from Philadelphia to become Indianapolis' head coach, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Colts draft Richardson, who has a similar skill set to Jalen Hurts.
5. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (via Denver)
JALEN CARTER, DT, GEORGIA
Mock Draft 3.0: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
Regardless of the off-the-field issues or him being nine pounds overweight at Georgia's pro day, Carter isn't falling the way people think he will. Some talent evaluators believe he's the best football player in this draft. And, I trust Pete Carroll's ability to handle any type of football player. Will Levis could be the pick here, but if Seattle trusts what they see in Carter, I think he's the better pick at fifth overall.
6. DETROIT LIONS (via L.A. Rams)
CHRISTIAN GONZALEZ, CB, OREGON
Mock Draft 3.0: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
The Lions have certainly upgraded their secondary via free agency, notably adding Sutton on a three-year, $33-million contract. However, the Lions traded Jeff Okudah to the Falcons a couple of weeks ago, so this pick makes even more sense than it did in my previous mock draft.
7. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
DEVON WITHERSPOON, CB, ILLINOIS
Mock Draft 3.0: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
The Raiders took care of their 2023 quarterback situation by signing Jimmy Garoppolo. They still could entertain Levis here, but they've got other needs to address, especially in the back end of their defense. This is far too high to take the best safety in the draft, Brian Branch, so I'm going with the Raiders shoring up cornerback, even if it's a bit of a reach.
8. ATLANTA FALCONS
TYREE WILSON, EDGE, TEXAS TECH
Mock Draft 3.0: Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
The Falcons could very well go cornerback here, but I'm having the Falcons upgrade their pass rush with the second-best edge rusher in the draft. Yes, they signed Bud Dupree in free agency, but given the recent injury history, that should not take an edge rusher off the table with the eighth overall pick.
9. CHICAGO BEARS (via Carolina)
PARIS JOHNSON JR., OT, OHIO STATE
Mock Draft 3.0: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
Trade back, gain a lot in the process, including a new toy for the offense in D.J. Moore, then draft the best tackle in the draft to protect Justin Fields. This would be the coup de grâce for Chicago. They've killed it this offseason.
10. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (via New Orleans)
BIJAN ROBINSON, RB, TEXAS
Mock Draft 3.0: Peter Skoronski, OT/G, Northwestern
The Eagles have been picked apart in free agency, but still boast a very complete roster. And yes, the Eagles historically focus on the trenches in the draft. But, even with Isaac Seumalo leaving for Pittsburgh in free agency, their offensive line is still arguably the best in football. And, running back might be their biggest need. When the roster is as set as Philadelphia's is, they can afford to go with a running back in the top 10.
11. TENNESSEE TITANS
PETER SKORONSKI, OT/G, NORTHWESTERN
Mock Draft 3.0: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
The Titans addressed the offensive line in free agency, signing former Eagles tackle Andre Dillard. However, they could still use more up front. Regardless of whether or not Skoronski plays tackle or guard in the NFL, he's considered the best overall offensive lineman in this class by a lot of talent evaluators.
12. HOUSTON TEXANS (via Cleveland)
MYLES MURPHY, EDGE, CLEMSON
Mock Draft 3.0: Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa
The Texans got their quarterback. Now, it's time to address the defense. Murphy was a productive edge rusher with freaky high-end reps. NFL teams love anything freaky and rely on coaching to clean up technique. Murphy is an automatic upgrade on Houston's defense.
13. GREEN BAY PACKERS (via N.Y. Jets)
JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA, WR, OHIO STATE
Mock Draft 3.0: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia (Jets)
The Packers have a lot of needs. This is really difficult to mock. Receiver, tight end, edge rusher, linebacker -- all of those are possibilities here. I'm going with far and away the best receiver in a pretty lackluster class, giving Jordan Love a much needed target on the outside.
*POSSIBLE TRADE-UP SPOT?: If the Steelers were to trade up, this might be the spot to do it. Broderick Jones is still on the board in this scenario, and he likely won't still be there when the Steelers are on the clock at 17. If Pittsburgh wants a top left tackle, this is the spot to take advantage of it. Moving up four spots shouldn't cost too much, and the Packers have enough roster needs that they can afford to move back four spots and acquire more draft capital to further improve their roster.
14. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
JOEY PORTER JR., CB, PENN STATE
Mock Draft 3.0: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
There are a number of ways the Patriots could go here. Cornerback is a need. Offensive line is a need. But, Bill Belichick has a history with man-coverage corners and loves NFL bloodlines. It'd be difficult for Steelers fans to see him go to the Patriots, but I could very well see New England taking Porter is he's available at 14.
15. NEW YORK JETS (via Green Bay)
BRODERICK JONES, OT, GEORGIA
Mock Draft 3.0: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah (Packers)
Lots of skill on the outside in New York, both on offense and defense. And now that they've officially traded for Aaron Rodgers, protecting his blindside would be a good start.
16. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
DARNELL WRIGHT, OT, TENNESSEE
Mock Draft 3.0: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
The Commanders did sign Andrew Wylie in free agency, but this team really loves versatility up front. Wright provides that with the ability to play the right or left side, though he shined more in the former. Wright provides a long-term solution up front, and having Wylie gives the team time to figure out Wright's niche at this level.
17. PITTSBURGH STEELERS
NOLAN SMITH, EDGE, GEORGIA
Mock Draft 3.0: Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
The Steelers could go a number of ways here. In this particular mock, the top four tackles and top three cornerbacks are off the board. If either of them fell to the Steelers, it's a pretty safe bet that they could snag one.
But, without any trade up, here are the options at 17:
• Defensive Line: Bryan Bresee would fit in wonderfully in the Steelers' defense, given his versatility to play multiple techniques. He's a 300-pound athlete that can move. I consistently heard comparisons to Cam Heyward while at the Combine. Who better to learn from than the man himself? Pitt's Calijah Kancey could be intriguing here as well, but Bresee's versatility and maturity make him a more attractive option here.
• Edge: Smith is a freak of nature. At 6-2 and 238 pounds, he ran a 4.39 40-yard dash, had a 41.5-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot-8 broad jump. Yes, he's undersized for an edge rusher, but his skill set could be used in a number of ways in the Steelers' defense. There's even talk about him eventually moving to an off-ball linebacker spot, though his speed makes him a good fit on the edge in a 3-4 defense. Lukas Van Ness is a pretty attractive option here as well, though I believe the Steelers would have a very hard time passing on Smith should he be available at 17.
• Cornerback: Even with the top three off the board, the Steelers could draft a cornerback here. Deonte Banks is probably the most likely name here, given how much he fits into the mold of what the Steelers are looking for in a cornerback. However, this is such a deep class of cornerbacks, there will be solid options at 32 and possibly even 49 to address the position.
• Tackle: Same as cornerback, the Steelers could still address tackle here. Anton Harrison is an intriguing option, though it might be a bit of a reach at 17. If the Steelers are dead set on tackle in the first round, trading up for one of the top guys is probably the best route. If they don't want to trade up, trading down for a guy like Harrison is another way to go.
• Safety: In this particular mock, Brian Branch is still available, and he's the best safety in the class. Branch can cover out of the slot and play in a similar role to what Terrell Edmunds did a season ago, but with more upside to take the ball away. But, is it worth a pick at 17?
• Receiver: Yes, Jordan Addison is still on the board in this mock. Yes, the idea of reuniting him and Kenny Pickett could be too difficult to pass up. But, the only receiver that's worth the pick at 17 is already off the board here (Smith-Njigba).
Last time, I went with Bresee here, and I still really like him at this pick. But, I truly believe if Smith were available at 17, the Steelers would run to the podium with this pick. I'm not saying he could become the next Micah Parsons, but having that kind of speed in the first two levels of the defense is something the Steelers have sorely missed since Ryan Shazier's tragic injury.
Yes, the Steelers are set with T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith on the edge, but Highsmith is going into the final year of his rookie contract. And, without a true third option behind them, edge rusher is a very realistic possibility at 17, especially if it's a high-end talent. Having a young edge guy to learn behind Watt and Highsmith for a year gives the Steelers time to coach them up. And, if Highsmith doesn't sign an extension this summer, they already have a contingency plan if they take a high-end edge rusher.
18. DETROIT LIONS
DALTON KINCAID, TE, UTAH
Mock Draft 3.0: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
This is a great class of tight ends, and the Lions would be salivating at the idea of adding perhaps the best of the bunch at 18. He's a serviceable blocker, but man, this guy can catch the football. Much needed firepower for a Lions team that's on the rise.
19. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
WILL LEVIS, QB, KENTUCKY
Mock Draft 3.0: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
Baker Mayfield isn't the quarterback of the future for Tampa Bay. Levis' slide stops here as they enter a near identical situation the Steelers had last year: Drafting a rookie in the second half of the first round to wait in the wings behind a former high-profile veteran acquired earlier in the offseason.
20. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
ZAY FLOWERS, WR, BOSTON COLLEGE
Mock Draft 3.0: Jordan Addison, WR, USC
Seattle's already addressed the defensive line with Carter. Now, they add another dynamic weapon on offense. Flowers joining DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett makes for a dangerous receiving corps.
21. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
JORDAN ADDISON, WR, USC
Mock Draft 3.0: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
With Flowers off the board, Addison gives Justin Herbert another weapon at his disposal. Teams need the firepower to compete in the AFC West, and Addison could add a ton to the Chargers' offense as an already-accomplished route runner.
22. BALTIMORE RAVENS
DEONTE BANKS, CB, MARYLAND
Mock Draft 3.0: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
For anyone dreaming the Banks could fall to the Steelers at 32nd overall, dream on. It's not happening. Game speed is highly coveted among NFL teams when evaluating cornerbacks, and Banks is right up there with anyone in that regard. Plus, he's got good ball skills, and he's a Maryland kid. This pick just makes sense.
23. MINNESOTA VIKINGS
CALIJAH KANCEY, DT, PITTSBURGH
Mock Draft 3.0: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
The Vikings' secondary needs to vastly improve, but they also need some serious help in the trenches. Kancey has similar measurables to former Pitt legend Aaron Donald, though nobody should have those kind of expectations for Kancey. Either way, Kancey is explosive and can get after the quarterback. That'll be nice for Brian Flores to have in his first season as Minnesota's defensive coordinator.
24. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
BRIAN BRANCH, DB, ALABAMA
Mock Draft 3.0: Brian Branch, DB, Alabama
As mentioned in the breakdown at the Steelers' selection, Branch has versatility that could mesh in any defense. The Jaguars need to upgrade their secondary.
25. NEW YORK GIANTS
QUENTIN JOHNSTON, WR, TCU
Mock Draft 3.0: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
The Giants need more firepower through the air, and Johnston is a big, explosive receiver that can stretch the field against any defense. That should play quite well in New York considering the Giants' ability to run the football.
26. DALLAS COWBOYS
MICHAEL MAYER, TE, NOTRE DAME
Mock Draft 3.0: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
The Cowboys should sprint to the podium with this pick. Dalton Schultz left via free agency, and Dak Prescott gets perhaps a better option in Mayer with the 26th pick. This is a no-brainer if Mayer falls this far.
27. BUFFALO BILLS
JOSH DOWNS, WR, NORTH CAROLINA
Mock Draft 3.0: O'Cyrus Torrence, G, Florida
The Bills need more weapons for Josh Allen, primarily in the slot. Downs fits this perfectly. Of course, they could go with a linebacker to make up for the loss of Tremaine Edmunds in free agency, but this still seems to high for the first off-ball linebacker. It's just not that great of a class.
28. CINCINNATI BENGALS
DARNELL WASHINGTON, TE, GEORGIA
Mock Draft 3.0: Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
With Hayden Hurst signing with the Panthers in free agency, Joe Burrow needs a new tight end to throw to. Well, how about a 6-foot-7, 264-pound mammoth who ran a 4.64 40-yard dash? Washington is a freak athlete that could become a major problem at the next level.
29. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (via San Francisco, through Miami, Denver)
LUKAS VAN NESS, EDGE, IOWA
Mock Draft 3.0: Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
There's a real possibility that Van Ness doesn't fall this far come Thursday, but that's just how this mock went. He's a first-round pick either way, and the Saints need to beef up their defensive front. In Van Ness, they get a guy who can play multiple techniques up front.
30. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
WILL MCDONALD IV, EDGE, IOWA STATE
Mock Draft 3.0: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh
After going with a running back at 10th overall, the Eagles turn their focus up front. McDonald provides tons of explosiveness for the Eagles to play with up front. He looked great at the Senior Bowl and could realistically make himself a Day 1 pick.
31. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
MAZI SMITH, DT, MICHIGAN
Mock Draft 3.0: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
Receiver is a need for the defending Super Bowl champions, but they need to add another defensive lineman. Smith has a rare blend of power and athleticism, and should be able to free up Chris Jones to do even more damage up front.
WHAT ABOUT NO. 32?
If the draft were to fall this way, the Steelers have a number of ways they could go. Since Smith addresses the edge, here are some options:
• Defensive Tackle: Bresee is still on the board here, which would be my immediate selection. There are still some questions about just how much his injuries and dealing with the tragic death of his sister played a role in some pedestrian numbers. But, the Steelers are experts at learning a player's makeup.
• Tackle: Harrison and Dawand Jones stick out as the two most notable names here, though Harrison would better fit the left side and Jones would better fit the right side.
• Cornerback: I had four cornerbacks going in the first round, but there's a very real possibility that more are actually selected. Kelee Ringo and Emmanuel Forbes are the most intriguing names in this particular mock, though both of them could easily be Day 1 selections. Other options include Cam Smith, Tyrique Stephenson, Garrett Williams, Julius Brents and Eli Ricks.
• Linebacker: Khan has overhauled off-ball linebacker in free agency, and this could be a good place to snag one. Now, this first-round mock didn't include any linebackers, and that just speaks to the lack of depth at the position. But, four options here include Trenton Simpson, Drew Sanders, Jack Campbell and Daiyan Henley. Adding any of these four with either second-round pick would cap off the linebacker overhaul with a wonderful touch, though 49 is probably the highest the Steelers should go to get one of these guys.
• Anything else? ... The first selection of the second round is a prime opportunity to field a lot of phone calls and weigh all options.
"Man, we're excited about it. We've been talking about it," Tomlin said about owning the first pick of the second round. "I think the thing that we're least familiar about is the amount of calls that we will be or could be getting. That's what we've spent our time talking about -- how do we organize and how do we get prepared for the receiving of the amount of interest that that pick could have? That's a good and exciting possibility for us."
Perhaps the Steelers are offered a deal that trades back a few spots to adds another selection in the middle rounds. Or, if they really wanted to be ballsy, they could go after a receiver or tight end that they really didn't think would survive the first round, adding some firepower to the offense. Remember, there are always players that fall. It happens every year. Yet, some of us still act surprised.
The Steelers are obviously in a great spot with three selections in the top 49 picks in this year's draft. They can add impactful players at all three spots, whether they directly address a need or not. Just add players that make the team better. That's what the draft is for, especially after a free agency period in which the needs were all addressed.
