5 most likely Steelers draft choices in Round 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft

3. Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland

Banks fell to the Steelers 20 times in mock drafts, giving him a 9.52% chance of wearing black and gold. Despite the fact he is in the top five potential first-round draft picks that could end up in Pittsburgh, it’s hard to say if the Steelers would take him in the first round.

First, the Steelers did not go to Maryland’s pro day, which does not bode well for Banks if we look at the Steelers past draft history. However, Mike Tomlin is on record as saying do not put much stock in the fact that they skipped some pro days as they picked pro days based on how many players they could scout at one time.

Second, Banks is not a lock to be off the draft board at the end of round one. He still has about a 21.43% of falling out of round one. Thus if the Steelers really want a corner, he could potentially still be on the board with their 32nd pick. It makes one ponder how resigned the Steelers are to taking a tackle over a cornerback. Plus, if the Steelers do want a cornerback, is Banks the one they would take?   We will have to wait until Thursday for this question to be answered.  

The thing to remember here is that there are at least two other teams ahead of the Steelers that need a cornerback, the Patriots and the Commanders. That said, some mock drafts have the Commanders making a play for Will Levis, although that seems a bit unlikely since they have Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett. Plus, while needing a corner, the Patriots could make a selection that comes from left field. Thus leaving other corners available besides Banks. It will be interesting to see how things pan out on Thursday.