Free agency buzz is dwindling, as many NFL teams were quick to jump on the frenzy -- making numerous moves in an effort to bolster their roster. Now that the smoke is clearing, we have a pretty good idea of the positions the Pittsburgh Steelers could be targeting early in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Steelers made a handful of free-agent acquisitions over the past few weeks and patched several big holes on their roster. Meanwhile, Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan have been busy on the scouting trail, and their attendance at Pro Days -- combined with some in-house visits -- giving us insight into what the team might be thinking just four weeks before the NFL Draft. Here's my updated seven-round Steelers mock draft.
Steelers mock draft round 1: OT Dawand Jones
The latest acquisition of veteran OT Le'Raven Clark is more proof what Andy Weidl wants to do with Pittsburgh's offensive line. Clark 's 36 1/8'' arms fall right in line with what we have seen Weidl value in the past during his time with the Eagles. However, Clark is nothing more than a veteran depth signing at offensive tackle, and the Steelers are going to be looking to address the position early.
While I hesitate to slot Dawand Jones to the Steelers with the 17th overall pick, it's not out the the realm of possibility. Pittsburgh's brass had a dinner meeting with Jones and several of his teammates at Ohio State's Pro Day. Though there are more athletic tackles who will be available, the Steelers seem to be moving in a new direction on the offensive line, and Jones fits the bill.
Coming into the NFL Combine at 6'8 1/8'' and 374 pounds with 36 3/8'' arms, Jones is one of the biggest NFL players we have ever seen. It will be up to the organization to determine whether or not they view his weight as an issue. This seems like a bit of a reach, but Jones has the size, length, and power to be one of the better right tackles in the league.