The 2023 NFL Draft is just around the corner and football fans all over the country are excited to see which players their favorite teams will pick up. ESPN’s Jordan Reid has recently released a seven-round mock draft, predicting which players the Pittsburgh Steelers will select. Let’s take a closer look at these potential picks.
First Round
Reid’s mock draft predicts that the Steelers will select Darnell Wright, an offensive tackle from Tennessee, with their first-round pick at No. 17 overall. According to Reid, Wright is a good get for the team as he adds a young and dependable tackle option. He has already started in 42 games in college and is viewed as a prospect who can play either tackle spot or guard at a high level as a rookie. The Steelers could use Wright to provide depth and competition for the right tackle position.
Second Round
In the second round of the mock draft, Reid predicts that the Steelers will land Brian Branch, a safety/cornerback hybrid from Alabama, and Trenton Simpson, a linebacker from Clemson. According to Reid, Branch is an ideal replacement for nickel corner after Cam Sutton signed with the Lions in free agency. He has the versatility and physicality to compete for a starting position. Simpson, on the other hand, is an athletic linebacker who can play multiple spots on the field. He causes problems as a blitzer and makes plays in space.
Third Round
The Steelers’ pick in the third round of Reid’s mock draft is Darius Rush, a cornerback from South Carolina. Rush stands tall at 6’2″ and ran a 4.36-second 40-yard dash at the combine. According to Reid, he could develop into a solid outside corner due to his impressive speed. However, there is more to cornerback play than just straight-line speed.
Fourth and Fifth Rounds
Reid makes a few more predictions for the Steelers’ later rounds. In the fourth round, he thinks they could pick up Caleb Murphy, an EDGE rusher who could be a rotational piece for the team. Then, in the fifth round, he foresees the Steelers picking Brodric Martin and Jalen MorenoCropper, potential 7th Round picks who can contribute in some way.
Analysis
Overall, Reid believes that his seven-round mock draft predicts a strong haul for the Steelers. He suggests that these potential picks address several needs for the team, including offensive tackle depth, a replacement for nickel corner, and an athletic inside linebacker. Of course, only time will tell which players the Steelers will actually select come draft day.
Conclusion
As the 2023 NFL Draft quickly approaches, fans and analysts alike are excited to see how their favorite teams will fare on draft day. ESPN’s seven-round mock draft predicts that the Pittsburgh Steelers could have a strong haul with picks like Darnell Wright, Brian Branch, Trenton Simpson, and more. Whether or not these predictions come to fruition remains to be seen. Nonetheless, it’s always exciting to speculate about potential future stars in football.
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