Steelers mock draft: Wishes come true for Pittsburgh in final 2023 NFL Draft

It's finally here. After months of studying draft film and taking notes of every stop Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan made during the scouting trail, the Pittsburgh Steelers will soon be on the clock with their first selection of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Unlike in years past, it was remarkably difficult to narrow in on which position Pittsburgh will look to target first, and I was torn in several directions with my top selection. Offensive tackle and cornerbacks have been their most pressing needs since the beginning.

Remember, these are the selections I believe the Steelers are most likely to make; not necessarily what I would do. With that said, here is the final version of my 2023 seven-round Pittsburgh Steelers mock draft.

Steelers mock draft round 1 (pick 17): OT Broderick Jones

I struggled so much with this pick. Trying to predict where the Steelers would go, I really wanted to say Joey Porter Jr. here. He has been the player connected to this team from day one and for obvious reasons.

At the same time, I know how badly the Steelers would like to land a premier offensive tackle for the first time in forever. This is something that both Omar Khan and Andy Weidl clearly value. When it comes down to it, there are just three tackles under contract. Both starters (Dan Moore Jr. and Chukwuma Okrafor) could stand to be upgraded, and Broderick Jones projects as a long-time starting left tackle.

Paris Johnson Jr. might be the prize for Pittsburgh in Round 1, but if they can't execute a trade-up, Broderick would be a dream at pick 17. Of course, there's no guarantee he makes it this far. Still, the interest is all here as he is just one of two players to earn the Tomlin/Khan Pro Day meeting, a pre-draft visit, and a formal NFL Combine meeting. It may require them to jump up just a few spots to pull this off, but I have the Steelers taking Jones in the first round.

Others considered: CB Joey Porter Jr., OT Darnell Wright, CB Deonte Banks