The Steelers were able to accomplish a lot by adding some quality prospects that fans can be grateful for on this Thanksgiving holiday.
Pittsburgh just lost their season after they were not able to overcome their deficit against the Cincinnati Bengals. There are some young pieces that show promise on this roster and that is going to give hope for the future. With that said, there are still a ton of holes that need to be filled for the Steelers to get back to contention status moving forward.
Trade: Pittsburgh Steelers receive picks 15, 46, and 2024 first-rounder from the Atlanta Falcons for pick 8.
Trading back in the first round continues to be a popular trend in this mock draft series. The Steelers currently hold seven draft picks but are missing some of their own picks on day three of the event. Moving back is a logical choice, especially if their draft board continues to shake out in their favor. They get a nice haul here with another second-round pick and a first-rounder next year from a poorly constructed Falcons team to slide back seven spots.
1.15: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
It was somewhat surprising that a top tackle prospect in this draft slipped to pick 15 in the first round. This would be one of the ultimate scenarios for Pittsburgh as they are able to trade back for quality picks in the draft and get a starting left tackle.
Peter Skoronski is coming from a program that has been going through a down season, but he brings a ton of quality starting experience. Skoronski would slide in at left tackle and allow for Dan Moore Jr. and Chuks Okorofor to battle for the starting right tackle spot in camp with the loser being the swing guy.
2.33: Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon
Many had high hopes for Noah Sewell before the beginning of the season, but his stock has taken a dip. He has NFL bloodlines as his brother Penei Sewell is his brother and he plays tackle for the Detroit Lions. The Steelers are going to need a starting linebacker in the middle of their defense, and they get a first-round caliber guy here in the early portions of the second round. He will still need to improve in certain areas of his game at the next level, but Brian Flores should be able to mold a young prospect like him into a good NFL player.
2.38: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh
This prospect will not be needing to move far away as he goes next door to join the pro ranks. He has made this mock draft series multiple times and he would be a great addition to the trenches in the second round. The Steelers need to find a permanent answer next to Cam Heyward and Calijah Kancey would accomplish that. He has been destructive at Pitt, and he should be able to translate that to the next level.
2.46: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
With three second-round picks in this draft scenario, the black and gold decide to take a little bit of a risk here with Nolan Smith. He just tore his pectoral muscle and was lost to the season for Georgia. His ceiling as a prospect is huge.
After rehabbing and coming back stronger than ever, Smith should be able to become one of the best third-string edge rushers in the league. The Steelers desperately need depth at the position and Alex Highsmith could be gone in the next couple of years if he continues to produce at his current rate.
3.69: Jarrett Patterson, OG, Notre Dame
Investing into the trenches on both sides of the ball needs to be the top priority for Pittsburgh heading into this offseason. They need a tackle but looking at upgrading one of the three interior offensive line positions should also be looked at. Jarrett Patterson provides position flexibility as he has played both guard and center during his collegiate career. Getting a prospect into the room to challenge guys like Mason Cole and Kevin Dotson would only benefit the struggling front.
4.104: Blake Freeland, OT, BYU
The more the merrier approach to the offensive line with this pick as the Steelers decide to go with another tackle prospect. Blake Freeland is more of a project than Skoronski is, but he could challenge for the starting right tackle spot on day one. This could lead to a three-way battle for the starting gig between the rookie, Moore, and Okorafor. The addition of Freeland would also provide tremendous depth and stability to a group that has lacked that in recent years.
7.203: Ronnie Bell, WR, Michigan
A receiver? Yes, the Steelers might be in search of one late in the draft process. They get Ronnie Bell here, who has been culminating a solid Senior year at Michigan. He is not going to wow you with many things, but he should be able to provide competition for the bottom of the roster players. Getting Bell here and adding depth to this part of the roster is something that could happen in free agency or late in the draft.
7.225: Malik Cunningham, QB, Louisville
Another shocking selection that might leave a bitter taste in the mouths of the fans, especially after what happened to their previous seventh-round quarterback selection in 2022. Malik Cunningham is more than a camp arm, and this position could become even direr if the Steelers do not retain Mason Rudolph or Mitch Trubisky. Cunningham is an electric player that has been able to break a lot of records that Lamar Jackson held during his time at Louisville.
The Steelers were able to get out of this mock draft simulation with some great selections after trading back. The team needs talent and they were able to add that to their roster at positions of need, which should speed up their rebuild.