There are plenty of needs for the Steelers heading into the offseason, but addressing the trenches is the most glaring hole. As we sit here today, both tackle and guard are in need of upgrading between now and the start of the regular season. Adding a defensive tackle to file next to Cam Heyward is another thing that needs to be accomplished.
Free agency could alter the entire draft outlook for Pittsburgh between this portion of the offseason and when the draft rolls around. There are plenty of players that need to be signed during that stretch of time and it could address some of the needs. The black and gold were able to accomplish plenty of tasks by taking positions of need, with some thought of potential free agent acquisitions in the potential future affecting this mock draft as well.
Steelers get a steal as a top tackle falls to their first round selection
Somehow Paris Johnson Jr. was able to fall the entire way to the Steelers' 17th overall pick in the first round. This would be an exciting selection as Johnson seems to project as a top tackle in the NFL for years to come. One would have to imagine that if this prospect starts to fall in the draft, plenty of NFL teams will come calling to try and trade ahead of the black and gold.
Taking this player would be an instant upgrade over Dan Moore Jr. on the left side of the offensive line. They get a legit option to protect Kenny Pickett moving forward, and it will come at a cheaper price than normal value for an elite tackle. Getting Johnson at 17 is not the likeliest of scenarios to happen, but it played out perfectly for the Steelers in this case.