Steelers mock draft: Pittsburgh doubles down for offensive line help

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

If the Pittsburgh Steelers don’t address the cornerback position in round one, it seems likely that this could be the position they target with their top pick in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Thanks to the Chase Claypool trade with the Bears, Pittsburgh has a very valuable pick with the 33rd overall selection.

Cameron Sutton was excellent for Pittsburgh this season, but he will need a sizable new deal this offseason. Outside of him, the Steelers don’t have another cornerback they can count on to be a consistent option from game to game, and Levi Wallace would probably be better in a situational role, rather than being a full-time starter.

This class is deep at the cornerback position in the first two rounds, so if they miss out on a few of the top prospects, they could target a player like Emmanuel Forbes. Listed at 6’0” and 181 pounds, Forbes has a lean frame that will need to add some weight, but it’s evident that he has impressive arm length that will help him contest passes at the next level.

It’s also worth noting that Forbes compiled 14 interceptions in the best conference in college football going against SEC competition. As a junior in 2022, he earned 6 picks to go with 10 passes defended. Forbes projects as a quality NFL starter, and the Steelers would love to have a capable cornerback they can count on.