Steelers mock draft: Building a foundation around Kenny Pickett

The Steelers enter the offseason with one mission above all others: Building up the offense around QB Kenny Pickett. The offense was mostly a mess during his rookie season, and despite plenty of blame to go around (looking at you, Matt Canada), the talent on that side of the ball was underwhelming, to say the least.

The offensive line played better than expected, but that was more due to health and consistency as opposed to overall talent. The receivers were limited by both the scheme and their own mistakes. The running game picked up down the stretch but was still lacking in explosive plays.

The defense isn't without its own issues, but a full season from T.J. Watt and growth from players like DeMarvin Leal and Mark Robinson could get the unit back into top-10 form. There are also plenty of players at interior D-line and linebacker in free agency that could help fill any holes on defense. Prioritizing offense in last year's draft was huge for Pittsburgh, but they should double down in 2023 as well, starting with their left tackle of the future.

Steelers snag a two-time National Champion to be their their franchise tackle

Broderick Jones seems to be the most likely tackle to fall to the Steelers first pick at 17th overall, and he would be a breath of fresh air for the offense. The Steelers haven't drafted a tackle in the first round since before 2000, and haven't drafted any lineman that high since David Decastro in 2012. They may need to trade up to secure him, but it would be well worth it. The trenches have not been a true priority in several years, but this pick would help change that.

Jones is a hyper-athletic tackle with the size and strength to be a force as both a run and pass blocker. He is a bit inexperienced (just 19 starts at Georgia), but he was a huge part of two National Championship teams and has all the upside you could want in a franchise left tackle. He may not be a high-level starter immediately, but neither is current starter Dan Moore Jr. Moore Jr could move into the swing tackle role and suddenly the Steelers line has far more upside.