We have made it a week without the NFL. I’m not sure how much longer I can do. The never-ending NFL calendar is closing in on the NFL Combine in Indianapolis and we are less than a month away from free agency.
Nonetheless, it’s Monday – you know what that means.
Now we go back to the Pro Football Focus mock draft simulator.
Alright, here we go…Donny Football’s Steelers Mock Draft 2.0
ROUND 1 – PICK 17: PARIS JOHNSON JR. (OT, OHIO STATE)
Last Week: Broderick Jones (OT, Georgia)
This was a no-brainer. Johnson is the ninth ranked prospect on the PFF Big Board and along with being the best player available, he fills a very big need. It’s the second consecutive week off-the-bat that I selected an offensive tackle and this decision was even easier. The 6’6, 315-pound behemoth held down the left side of Ohio State’s offensive line and kept fellow future 1st round pick, CJ Stroud, clean and healthy for the duration of the season. With the same mindset as last week’s pick of Broderick Jones, this allows the Steelers to put their best five out there up front and could lead to Dan Moore Jr.
moving inside in a battle with Kevin Dotson at left guard.
ROUND 2 – PICK 43: KELEE RINGO (CB, GEORGIA)
Last Week: Trenton Simpson (LB, Clemson)
TRADE: PIT receives picks R2 (32), R5 (145) R3 (2024) for R2 (32) and R7 (243)
I wanted to wait at least a week before we got trades worked into the mix. And by the way, this won’t be the only one of this draft. The Steelers acquire a few picks, including a 3rd rounder next year, in exchange for a few to the Jets. With this pick, I chose Kelee Ringo from Georgia. The corner’s stock is falling, but the 6’2, 205-pound defensive back provides size to be excited about at that position. Ringo’s status has been a huge question mark since his team beat TCU for the national title in January, but with the size and position need, this makes sense for the Steelers.
ROUND 2 – PICK 49: JOHN MICHAEL SCHMITZ (C, MINNESOTA)
Last Week: Emmanuel Forbes (CB, Mississippi State)
Mason Cole had a nice season in 2022 and he was a leader on the offensive line.
However, if one of the best interior offensive linemen is available at 49, I think the Steelers should strike while the iron is hot. The center from Minnesota could be the next stalwart in the middle of the offensive line as the 6-4, 320-pounder jumps to the pro level. A handful of fans wanted to see Tyler Linderbaum become a Steeler during the 2022 draft, but Schmitz could be that long-term answer in 2023.
ROUND 3 – PICK 80: RASHEE RICE (WR, SMU)
Last Week: Andrew Vorhees (iOL, USC)
Like last week, I get the feeling that a receiver will be on his way to Pittsburgh in the middle of the 2023 NFL Draft. That guy could be Rashee Rice out of SMU.
After a season of zero touchdowns for Diontae Johnson and Calvin Austin being a total question mark, Rice would provide another big body target for Kenny Pickett. The 6’3 target had nearly 100 grabs last season for 1,355 yards and 10 scores. Pickett will be happy to see another target added to the arsenal and the potential that Rice provides gives reason for Steelers fans to be excited.
ROUND 4 – PICK 124: CADE STOVER (TE, OHIO STATE)
Last Week: Marvin Mims (WR, Oklahoma)
This looks like a luxury pick, but at this point in the draft, you should be looking for guys that can help your roster in any way possible. Zach Gentry is currently a free agent and his status for 2023 will play a huge factor in this pick making any sense. But if Gentry is not back next season, the Steelers will be looking for another big tight end to accompany Pat Freiermuth. Stover didn’t have numbers that jump off the page, but five touchdowns for a 6’4 red zone target would the areas that attracts the Steelers to the big target.
ROUND 5 – PICK 145: HENRY TO’OTO’O (LB, ALABAMA)
Last Week: Gervarrius Owens (S, Houston)
TRADE: PIT receives R4 (124) AND R6 (2024) for R4 (120)
Another trade! Linebacker is still a position of need for the Steelers, but going that way super early in the draft may not provide the Steelers with the payoff they are hoping for. Waiting on the position has its risk, but it leaves a chance to find a diamond in the rough. To’oto’o is a Nick Saban product, which always has Mike Tomlin’s ears perked up. The Alabama linebacker isn’t a huge player but can provide some quickness in the middle of the Steelers defense.
ROUND 7 – PICK 236: TAVION THOMAS (RB, UTAH)
Last Week: Jaren Hall (QB, BYU)
The Steelers very well may have found an answer at backup running back last season, but next year, who will the team have behind Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren? The 7th round is a good time to find is another ball carrier or another time a quarterback can be added to the roster.