Everyone loves mock drafts this time of year. The Pittsburgh Steelers have already been linked to several different players and rightfully so. The organization has several needs on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Both lines are in need of support as well as the cornerback, linebacker and wide receiver positions.
The areas of concern are no secret, but the big question is, who will general manager, Omar Khan prioritize early in the 2023 NFL Draft with three picks in the top 50? The franchise doesn't have a fifth or sixth-round pick which makes the top few so important.
Steelers' former Vice President of Football Operations and current general manager smiles while on the field in Pittsburgh, PA. | Charles LeClaire / USA Today Sports
One of the more respected reporters to cover the organization over the last couple of decades is The Athletic's, Mark Kaboly. Being within the building for so long, he constantly has his ear to the ground and is more familiar than most of us when it comes to how the franchise tends to do business.
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His first 2023 mock draft was released Wednesday morning and he did not shy away from the narrative that the offensive line is going to be an area of focus. He has the Steelers selecting Oklahoma's Anton Harrison, an offensive tackle, with their first pick at #17.
"Harrison is massive at 6'5" and 315 pounds and has started the past two years for the Sooners at left tackle. Even though he has the size and the talent, he needs some coaching up, which is why he will fall into the middle of the round," Kaboly wrote.
Oklahoma tackle, Anton Harrison takes the field with his teammates during the 2022 college football regular season. | Photo by Brian Bahr / Getty Images
While Steelers fans everywhere seem to want a guy who can come in and replace Dan Moore Jr. sooner (no pun intended) rather than later, Kaboly hints that Harrison would be more of a long-term play.
"Even though it’s not ideal, the Steelers have the luxury of letting a player like Harrison learn and get stronger for a year before stepping into the starting lineup."
After taking Clemson linebacker, Trenton Simpson at #32 overall, Kaboly went straight back to the offensive line and suggested taking a center out of Minnesota, John Michael Schmitz with #49. In another offensive line choice who wouldn't necessarily need to start right away, the Steelers would have the opportunity to mold him into the future starter.
"Cole played well in his first year with the Steelers, but if Schmitz is there midway through the second round, the Steelers have to strongly consider drafting him to groom him to be the long-term center. At 6'4", 305 pounds, Schmitz has the size to handle the powerful interior linemen."
Pittsburgh Steelers center, Mason Cole (#61) prepares to snap the football to quarterback, Mitch Trubisky (#10) during a preseason game at Acrisure Stadium. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Cole does have the flexibility to move to guard, however. So Schmitz starting right away wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility as Cole could potentially take over Kevin Dotson's spot.
"The only downside to Schmitz is that he will be a 24-year-old rookie, which isn’t great if he needs to sit and learn. On the flip side, he could be ready to start day 1, which would afford the Steelers depth with Cole on the interior," Kaboly wrote.
To check out the remainder of Kaboly's picks and his analysis on each, head over to The Athletic.
Are you a fan of Kaboly's first mock draft of the 2023 off-season, specifically with his choices on the offensive line? Let us know in the comments below!
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