Believe it or not, the Pittsburgh Steelers would own the 22nd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft if the season suddenly ended today. This means that they would own the fifth seed in the AFC and would be playing in the Wild Card round of the playoffs.
It certainly doesn't feel that way with the way that Pittsburgh has been winning football games. The further we advance into the 2023 season, the easier it has been to see every glaring weakness on the Steelers roster. This squad unfortunately got a bit weaker entering Week 10, as starting linebacker Cole Holcomb is now out for the season with a knee injury.
The linebacker position was hardly the biggest issue on this team. Looking ahead to next offseason, there are several positions Pittsburgh could target with their first pick in the NFL Draft. Here's the latest Steelers mock draft roundup.
Steelers mock draft roundup: Everyone is on the same page with Pittsburgh's top pick
CBS Sports, Chris Trapasso: Kalen King, CB, Penn State
In his latest NFL mock draft, Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports has the Steelers selecting cornerback Kalen King. This is quickly becoming a popular choice when mocking players to Pittsburgh in round one. This team recently found success taking a Penn State cornerback early in Joey Porter Jr., and PSU is a school they are very familiar with. Cornerback also might be their biggest position of need.
Pro Football Network, A.J. Schulte: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Pro Football Network has also noticed Pittsburgh's struggles at the cornerback position and decided to get in on the action. In this mock, however, A.J. Schulte has Kalen King going just one pick before the Steelers to the Dallas Cowboys. Because of this, PFN has Pittsburgh going with Alamaba CB prospect, Terrion Arnold. Schulte argues that Arnold has great traits for the position and screams 'Pittsburgh Steeler' thanks to his competitiveness.
USA Today, Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz: Kalen King, CB, Penn State
Yet another mock draft has Kalen King being slotted to the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 22nd overall pick in the draft. Outside of Porter, Mike Tomlin doesn't have a single player he can trust at the cornerback position, and King fits the bill. Though he doesn't have the freakish physique like Porter, King is a well-rounded CB prospect who would be an immediate upgrade for this team.
Pro Football Focus, Trevor Sikkema: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus also believes that the Steelers will look to target the cornerback position. Cooper DeJean is a very talented football player who could go much higher in the draft, but if he falls to Pittsburgh's pick, this one makes a lot of sense. The Iowa standout has been a staple to an awesome defense over the past few years, and DeJean has the ability to play anywhere in the secondary.