Steelers 2023 NFL Mock Draft: Roundup of B/R Staff, Kiper and Expert Picks

The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to get back into the playoff mix in 2023. Last year was about transition and growth, and the team managed to win nine games despite starting rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett for most of the season.

Now, the Steelers will look for the 24-year-old to take the next step and become a postseason starter.

Pittsburgh hasn't been overly active in free agency, but it has brought in new faces such as cornerback Patrick Peterson, linebacker Cole Holcomb and offensive lineman Isaac Seumalo. The Steelers don't have many glaring needs left, and they'll have seven draft selections with which to work, including the 17th overall pick.

What Pittsburgh will do with its top selection remains unknown, but experts have their opinions. Here, we'll dive into the latest mock drafts of the Bleacher Report Scouting Department, ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. and NFL Media's Bucky Brooks to get a bead on what the Steelers could be thinking on opening night.

B/R Scouting Department: OT Broderick Jones, Georgia

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Georgia OT Broderick Jones

The B/R Scouting Department has the Steelers going with Georgia offensive tackle Broderick Jones at No. 17. It's a logical selection, given his upside and the poor performances of left tackle Dan Moore Jr. in 2022.

Moore was responsible for 10 penalties and seven sacks allowed, according to Pro Football Focus. Jones should step in and challenge for the starting job right away.

From Brandon Thorn of the B/R Scouting Department:

"Jones is arguably the class' most physically gifted offensive line prospect, and getting him at No. 17 is too good of a value for a Steelers offensive line in desperate need of an upgrade at tackle. The 21-year-old should immediately take over at left tackle, giving Pickett a young, talented blindside protector to (hopefully) grow with over their first contracts."

If there's one thing that can help a young quarterback like Pickett find early success, it's reliable pass protection. The Pittsburgh product already showed he manage games and make critical plays down the stretch last season. With improved blocking, he should have a chance to emerge as a complete signal-caller.

Adding Seumalo was a great start toward rebuilding Pittsburgh's line. Adding Jones would be a terrific follow-up maneuver.

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr.: WR Zay Flowers, Boston College

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Boston College WR Zay Flowers

Kiper has Pittsburgh going in a different direction to aid its young quarterback. In his mock, he has Boston College wideout Zay Flowers landing with the Steelers at No. 17.

"Flowers is actually my top-ranked wideout," he wrote. "I love his explosion and ability after the catch. Pittsburgh's wideouts had just five touchdown receptions last season, which ranked last in the league."

Flowers isn't an archetypal perimeter at only 5'9" and 182 pounds, but he's fast (4.42-second 40-yard dash), explosive and a dangerous slot weapon. That's perfect for the Steelers, which could use a slot specialist after trading Chase Claypool at the 2022 deadline.

Receiver isn't the absolute biggest need for the Steelers, as they have two good ones in George Pickens and Diontae Johnson, but the 22-year-old would fill out the starting trio and become a real headache for opposing defenders inside.

With standout tight end Pat Freiermuth also in the mix, Pickett would suddenly have one of the most dangerous receiving corps in the conference—one that could keep pace with the Cincinnati Bengals' vaunted receiver group.

It should be noted that the top pure tackles—Jones and Ohio State's Paris Johnson Jr.—were off the board by the time Kiper made Pittsburgh's selection.

NFL Media's Bucky Brooks: CB Deonte Banks, Maryland

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Maryland CB Deonte Banks

Brooks went in a different direction in his mock, pairing Pittsburgh with Maryland cornerback Deonte Banks.

"With eight-time Pro Bowler Patrick Peterson in place to set an example, Banks could quickly mature into a solid starter for the Steelers by the end of his rookie season," he wrote.

This might be considered a slight reach by some, as Banks is the 37th-ranked prospect and No. 5 cornerback on the B/R Scouting Department's big board.

In Brooks' mock, though, Illinois corner Devon Witherspoon, Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and Oregon's Christian Gonzalez were already off the board by No. 17.

Utah's Clark Phillips III is the only cornerback ranked ahead of Banks on the B/R board.

Johnson and Jones were also off the board before No. 17 in Brooks' mock. Flowers was on the board, but it's not hard to envision Pittsburgh taking its highest-rated corner instead of a receiver with that selection.

The Steelers have a strong track record of drafting and developing Day 2 receivers. They haven't drafted a receiver in the first round since taking Santonio Holmes in 2006. Pittsburgh should also continue addressing a pass defense that ranked 25th in yards per passing attempt allowed (6.5) last season.

That's three different players through three mocks, which highlights the reality that the Steelers may be in a position to simply go with the best player available when they're on the clock on opening night.