NFL Mock Draft Roundup: Who are the Steelers taking after the Combine?

You better believe that NFL mock drafts would get a shakeup following the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, and they certainly did. Some outstanding performers did plenty in shorts to boost their stock while other high-profile names underwhelmed with either poor measurements, athletic testing, or on-field drills.

In Indianapolis, we got a really good feel for the positions and players the Pittsburgh Steelers could be targeting early this year, and they are rumored to be very interested in the top cornerbacks in the 2023 NFL Draft.

With things getting a shakeup, many draft analysts are quick to update their mock drafts following a busy week at the NFL Combine. Here's a look at the most recent picks mocked to the Steelers in the first round by experts.

Steelers mock draft roundup following NFL Combine

Todd McShay, ESPN (subscription required): Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State

With the 17th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, ESPN's Todd McShay has the Steelers going with CB Emmanuel Forbes. The Mississippi State product was initially viewed as an early day-two pick, but a spectacular performance at the NFL Combine is shooting him up draft boards.

With a run on cornerbacks, the Steelers get Forbes in this mock. Pittsburgh met with Forbes in Indianapolis, so there is certainly some interest here, but taking a 166-pound cornerback in the first round wouldn't come without some risks.

Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia

Though cornerback and offensive line seem to be heavy themes associated with the Steelers early in the draft, CBS Sports' Ryan Wilson is taking a different approach. We know how much Mike Tomlin has valued great outside linebackers in the past, and Nolan Smith is one of the best edge defenders in the draft this year.

Smith certainly feels like a luxury pick with T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith on the roster, but Highsmith will be an unrestricted free agent next year who will make a lot of money. Pittsburgh doesn't typically take a proactive approach like this, but Smith would be one of the best players available at one of the most important positions in football.

Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland

Lance Zierlein of NFL.com believes the Pittsburgh Steelers will be interested in taking a cornerback. Interestingly, Zierlein has Omar Khan going with Maryland's Deonte Banks over Joey Porter Jr. here.

Banks is a remarkable athlete and tested as one of the most athletic players at the 2023 NFL Combine. He's an incredibly fluid athlete who should offer a major spark for the Steelers at the cornerback position.

Pro Football Focus, Mike Renner and Sam Monson: Deonte Banks,CB, Maryland

I think we are going to see a trend here soon when it comes to Deonte Banks being mocked to the Steelers. This is in large part due to the rising stock of Joey Porter Jr., as many believe he will be off the board prior to the 17th overall pick.

Mike Renner and Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus just mocked Banks to the Steelers on the PFF NFL Show. With the top three cornerbacks off the board and Porter going to the Patriots just three picks prior, they have Pittsburgh going with PFF's CB4 this year.