Steelers mock draft: Pittsburgh digs their heels in for a cornerback early

Steelers mock draft round 2: C Sedrick Van Pran

Everyone is pointing to the Pittsburgh Steelers targeting an offensive tackle early in the 2023 NFL Draft, but it’s possible that Mike Tomlin likes Dan Moore Jr. and Chukwuma Okorafor better than the fan base does. He may feel that he has two young, developing offensive tackles who are good enough to get the job done.

While I don’t agree with settling for less at the offensive tackle position, I do think it’s possible that Pittsburgh could have more interest in drafting a center. Since Maurkice Pouncey’s retirement, the Steelers have been looking for a long-term option at center. Kendrick Green obviously isn’t that guy, and the former third-round pick isn’t even guaranteed to have a roster spot next season.

Mason Cole has been a respectable addition to the team after being signed in free agency in 2022, but he looks more like a quality stop-gap starter than a long-term solution to the problem. Cole has a reasonable deal and will be under contract in 2023, but he may be better served as the primary backup interior offensive lineman thanks to his experience at both center and guard.

Sedrick Van Pran is a quick-footed center in the mold of Pouncey. He is exiting his redshirt sophomore season at one of the best football programs in the country and the arrow is pointed up. Van Pran projects as a starting NFL center, and he could be on Pittsburgh’s radar on day two of the NFL Draft.