Steelers make an unexpected splash trade at cornerback in latest 2023 mock draft

Steelers mock draft round 7: EDGE/DE Karl Brooks

Getting into the late portions of the draft normally means position coaches will battle for selections here. That will obviously not be the determining factor, but it does allow certain coaches to get a chance to speak up for a certain prospect they like. Karl Brooks finally hears his name called in the seventh round after a couple of hundred picks before him.

It was kind of shocking to see Brooks still available this late into the draft, but the Steelers will not question it. This defensive end has lined up as an outside linebacker type by standing up and with his hand in the dirt as a defensive end. This position flexibility could kill two birds with one stone for Pittsburgh, or they could be open minded and see what is best for Brooks to succeed.

Steelers mock draft round 7: QB Aidan O'Connell

Do not be shocked when this organization takes a quarterback in the draft. Mason Rudolph wants to be gone, even though it seems like no one in the NFL wants him currently. He could always re-sign eventually, but the Steelers are doing some due diligence on this quarterback class coming out of the collegiate ranks.

Clayton Thune would make a lot of sense if he was available, but he was selected earlier. Aidan O'Connell is the pick here as he is a high-floor and low-ceiling kind of player. The Steelers need someone that can develop into a solid backup signal caller behind Kenny Pickett after this season, and O'Connell should fit that bill.