Nicastro: Steelers Mock Draft 3.0

As for last year, Wright played a significant role in Tennessee's offense, a team that at one point was competing for an SEC championship. He got the best of Alabama EDGE Will Anderson, who will most assuredly go in the top 5 of this upcoming draft.

I’m not exactly sure the reason for the move to right tackle, but I certainly wouldn’t pigeonhole him as a right tackle exclusively, unlike Ohio State's Dawand Jones.

Steelers assistant GM and overseer of the draft, Andy Weidl, is on a mission to build through the trenches. He's shown that in free agency, signing lineman Isaac Seumalo and Nate Herbig. And it's what he did in Philadelphia. Weidl spent six seasons in scouting, including the last three seasons as VP of player personnel for the Super Bowl runner-up. Last season, his first two picks were DT Jordan Davis, and OT Cam Jurgens. 

The prior season, Philadelphia took Landon Dickerson in round 2. Now, he's arguably the best guard in the NFL.

Andy Trenches Weidl. 

Round 2, Pick 32 - Bryan Bresee DL Clemson

Bit of a curveball for Yinz here. Andy Trenches strikes again. This time with a player that was frequently mocked to the Steelers back in February. Bresee is a superior athlete, and this league has gone away from the classic zero-tech, nose tackles (Casey Hampton’s) and more towards guys who can play all over the d-line, which Bryan has done. 

Not many have him falling here in their mock drafts. I do. So why did he fall to 32? 

Over the past two seasons, he’s missed 13 games with injuries. He was the number one recruit in the country in 2020 according to 247 sports, but there are legitimate concerns about his durability. However, it's safe to say we haven’t seen his best football yet. And the Steelers aren’t afraid to take players coming off an injury if they believe in their talent (see: George Pickens.) Do I love this pick? Meh, I wouldn't be popping champagne. But remember please, this is what I think the Steelers will do, not what I would do.

I think they like him a lot, and would be thrilled if he fell out of the 1st round. How about this nugget from Steelers.com’s Dale Lolley: 

Round 2, Pick 49: Darius Rush CB South Carolina

The Steelers check the cornerback box at pick 49 with a poor man’s Joey Porter Jr. 

Rush is tall and rangy, and has drawn comparisons to Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs because he’s a recently converted wide receiver. 

Many are more familiar with his counterpart Cam Smith, who at one point was potentially the top ranked CB in the country, however when you flip on the tape, Rush flashes. The Steelers recently had him in for a pre-draft visit, so they are certainly intrigued as well.

Rush primarily played zone coverage at South Carolina, so he fits the Steelers corner profile in terms of scheme relevance. He’s a relatively raw prospect, which bodes well for him to learn under a veteran like Patrick Peterson.

Round 3, Pick 80: Nick Herbig OLB Wisconsin

An outside linebacker from Wisconsin? Say less. And oh by the way - he's also the little brother of the aforementioned new Steelers offensive lineman, Nate Herbig. The city of brotherly loves seems to be moving west.

Herbig is what you’d simply call a pure pass rusher. The guy has a high motor and can attack the QB with a bevy of creative moves. He had 20 sacks and 75 pressures over the past two seasons. That should tell you all you need to know.

With the Steelers showing interest in Bud Dupree, and assuming Alex Highsmith won’t be back after his contract year in 2024, because the Steelers have so much $ tied into their defensive core, it’s time to start planning for the guy who’ll opposite TJ Watt. 

So why not TJ Watt… lite? 

Round 4, Pick 120: Jayden Reed WR Michigan State

If the Steelers wanted to hide their interest in Reed, they’ve done a terrible job. 

They met with him at the combine. They attended Michigan State’s pro day. And they had Reed at the Southside facility for an in-person visit. 

Heck, maybe they take him at 17 overall. Lol. 

One word that comes to mind for me when discussing Reed is polished. He’s not going to blow your mind with athleticism. But he’ll be a reliable option on the outside and can play the slot. Think Jericho Cotchery. Check out this short clip from our Jordan York at the combine:

Round 7, Pick 234: Joey Fisher OL Shepherd

It’s time to go all local on you, as Fisher played a key role on an incredible team just a few hours south of the Burgh' in West Virginia. Fisher is a versatile lineman who can play tackle or guard. Why should I tell you about him when you can learn all about him via my interview on the Sick Podcast Steelers. A shameless plug? Sure. But I really think this could happen.

Round 7, Pick 241:  Kory Curtis QB Gannon 

Yeah I hear you. The Steelers essentially wasted a 7th round pick on QB Chris Oladokun last year, but if at first you don’t succeed, try and try again. 

Curtin is an intriguing prospect. An Ohio State transfer, and good friend of the late Dwayne Haskins, he was tied to the Steelers throughout this draft process a few times, including Mike Tomlin and the brass working him out privately for an extra 20 minutes at Duquesne’s Pro Day, where he attended to showcase his skills.

Curtis is 6’5, 235 lbs. Sound familiar? 

Listen, nobody is saying he’s the next Ben Roethlisberger. 

But for a QB needy team, it’d be fun to add another strong-armed player who played college football in the state of Ohio. 

Thanks for reading, yinz! Make sure to follow me @MikedUpSports1, and subscribe to The Sick Podcast - Steelers Crazy.