Nicastro: Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft 1.0

Notes:

• Colts move to 1 to take their franchise QB. They can’t risk the top 3 QB’s going before them. 
• No offensive lineman in the top ten....

Now for the Steelers, with the 17th overall pick in the 1st round, the Steelers select:

17. Bryan Bresee DL Clemson 

This was not Bresee like Sunday Morning. Man, I tried to will one of those top 3 offensive lineman (Skoronski, Johnson, Jones) or Joey Porter Jr. to the Steelers, but it just didn’t fall that way. This has been a popular pick thus far, and I get it.

The Steelers are aging and thin at DL, and although Bresee had an underwhelming 2022 season, his size, talent, and athleticism are appetizing. His position versatility is also a major plus. He can play 5-tech, 3-tech, or nose. Bresee was the number one recruit in the country back in 2020, and was hampered by setbacks at Clemson, including an ACL tear in 2021, and shoulder surgery prior to last season. You can draw the conclusion that his best football is ahead of him. I really can't see a scenario where he doesn’t fall to 17 right now. 

There were two players I really debated. The first, Alabama swiss army knife Brian Branch. Branch moved all over the field at Alabama in the secondary, and is working with the cornerbacks at the combine. This kid has some Minkah Fitzpatrick to his game. He was in that best player available conversation, and I almost pulled the trigger.

The second is Florida Gators guard O'Cyrus Torrence, who ultimately I selected for the Jaguars at pick 24. Torrence is a plug and play left guard. He starts over Kevin Dotson tomorrow. However, I think the Steelers will be hesitant to nab a guard not named Skoronski this early in the draft. It's a deep position, and I could see them taking an offensive lineman with their next pick...

Here is how the rest of my 1st round played out before I get to my last handful of Steelers' picks.

32. Dawand Jones OL Ohio St. 

Jones is tantalizing, standing at 6’8 and possessing the largest wingspan ever measured at the Senior bowl. That’s 74 years of measurements. However, I struggled with this pick, because Jones played right tackle almost exclusively at Ohio state, and the Steelers need to prioritize upgrading the left side. If I had to go with my gut, I don’t think they are ready to give up on Dan Moore Jr. yet (for better or for worse). Who knows, maybe Jones is just a guy you take and figure it out? Do I really have to tell you about Mike Tomlin's love for Ohio State? He’d slot in immediately at RT, at the very least. 

49. Trent Simpson LB Clemson 

Two Clemson tigers in three picks. ILB is the most overlooked position of need for the Steelers right now, with Devin Bush ousted and Myles Jack wearing an invisible cloak in 2022. I honestly wouldn't be shocked if they took one at pick 32. I’ve seen Simpson mocked everywhere from the 1st round to the 3rd. The Steelers are going to need to find a day one contributor (probably starter) at ILB in this draft. Maybe they get him here with Simpson.

80. DJ Turner CB Michigan 

This guy is going to run in the late 4.2’s at the combine. I like the Steelers corners more than most, and think Levi Wallace is a actually a solid CB1, but they are missing the element of speed in the secondary. Turner excelled on a really good Michigan defense last year and clearly fills a need. 

120. Jayden Reed WR Michigan St 

The Steelers go back to the state of Michigan and take Connor Heyward’s former teammate Reed, a reliable target for Kenny Pickett with a high floor, who should carve out a role quickly. Much like Simpson, he'd be a big time steal at this point in the draft, and could slot in right away as the Steelers number three receiver. Unfortunately, I don't have much trust in Calvin Austin III, outside of just a return specialist. Check out some of his highlights below:

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