Steelers latest 2023 mock draft just in time for Senior Bowl week

Steelers mock draft round 2: LB Trenton Simpson

Many will scoff at the idea of Trenton Simpson falling out of the first round of the draft, but it is a possibility. He is an athletic freak in the middle of the defense, but he is a hybrid type of player that is identified as a middle linebacker. His primary role will be in the middle of the defense, but the attraction to him will be his ability to play at multiple spots.

In this simulation, Simpson fell out of the first round and was there for Pittsburgh to select with their top pick in the second round. The Steelers would be running to the podium to get a player like this with their second choice of the draft. They fill a starting spot on defense and provide some flexibility in certain packages for Teryl Austin to mess with.

Steelers mock draft round 2: DT Siaki Ika

Another need that many are not talking about enough is at defensive line. Cam Heyward is not getting any younger and the future of Larry Ogunjobi with the Steelers is still in the air. On top of that, the trenches are lacking depth besides the return of DeMarvin Leal. Finding a solution in the draft needs to be a priority, especially if Ogunjobi does not return in free agency.

Another player slips to the black and gold here as they select Siaki Ika out of Baylor. He is a true Nose tackle entering the NFL, and that position normally loses value in the draft. Ika could turn into something more, but his immediate impact will be helping defend the run. That is something the Steelers have struggled to stop in recent years, so the gamble of taking a Nose tackle in the second round is not as outrageous.