Steelers mock draft: Pittsburgh addresses pressing needs with early picks

Steelers mock draft round 2 (via CHI): CB Emmanuel Forbes

Another huge hole that the Pittsburgh Steelers will need to fill in their starting lineup comes at the cornerback position. While it’s expected that Khan will sign CB Cameron Sutton to a contract extension, that still only leaves them with one viable option at the position.

Levi Wallace had a decent season during his first year in Pittsburgh, but he would be better as the team’s third cornerback as a lack of speed and athletic tranjnhhj xssits can often get him in trouble. Meanwhile, Ahkello Witherspoon was injured and could potentially be released for financial reasons and James Pierre just isn’t consistent enough to contribute on a regular basis.

Emmanuel Forbes from Mississippi State has a slender build but is a physical cornerback with length to play on the outside. Pittsburgh will not only love his demeanor but also his ability to take the football away, as he has earned a whopping 14 interceptions in 3 seasons — 6 of which came in 2022.

The Steelers might prefer a familiar CB like Joey Porter Jr. here, but there’s a solid chance he is gone by the time the second round starts. With the pick acquired by the Chase Claypool trade from Chicago, I have them taking Forbes. He could come in and compete for a starting role across from Cam Sutton from the gate.