Steelers 2023 mock draft just before NFL free agency kicks off

Free agency will get most of the headlines this week, and for good reason. Many will be busy covering the offseason frenzy as the open negotiating period begins on Monday. Pending free agents will be allowed to negotiate with clubs other than their current employer. There should be a lot of fun and interesting moves made by each club, including the Steelers.

Even though the first round of talent acquisition during the offseason is free agency, it spells that the draft is getting closer. Pittsburgh should be active this offseason as they try and create a better roster to improve upon a 9-8 record from 2022. Free agency could see some action from the black and gold, but it will also show some details about how they will attack the draft come the end of April.

Steelers decide to go with another Pitt product for a second year in a row

A bonkers idea is having the Steelers go with a Pitt product two years in a row when it comes to their first-round selections. Calijah Kancey is the pick here as he should be able to come in and put up respectable results on day one. One of the biggest needs for the black and gold right now is the issues in the trenches, and it is past time that this issue gets resolved.

Cam Heyward is not getting any younger and that defense is going to have a lot of issues when he starts to regress. It happens to every player, and Heyward will be no different when that time eventually comes. Adding a player like Kancey will take the pressure off of Heyward and add another significant player that the club has been lacking for a couple of years now.

One of the biggest knocks on this prospect is his size. Some have also compared him to Aaron Donald because of the smaller stature and alma mater that they share. They both play the same type of game, but it would be impossible to imagine Kancey being the same player that Donald has become since entering the NFL.