Steelers post-combine mock draft: Pittsburgh gets back to their roots

It was a memorable extended weekend at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Dozens of members of the upcoming NFL Draft class put on a clinic during the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, and their performances will no doubt influence teams on draft day. Fortunately for the Pittsburgh Steelers this year, the strongest groups just so happen to line up with their biggest positional needs.

The bad news is that some high-upside prospects like OTs Paris Johnson Jr. and Broderick Jones seem like nothing more than pipe dreams at this point. However, there will still be some quality talent ripe for the picking with three selections inside the top 50.

With the Combine in the rearview mirror, we have a better idea of how the draft might shape up and which players could be available when Pittsburgh is on the clock. Here's my initial post-Combine seven-round Steelers mock draft.

Steelers mock draft round 1: OL Peter Skoronski

It wasn't surprising to see Peter Skoronski measure in with 32 1/4'' inch arms and a 79 1/2'' wingspan. Both numbers are near historic lows when compared to NFL offensive tackles, according to Mockdraftable's database which has recorded these numbers dating back to 1999. Because he has such outlier length, Skoronski will likely be viewed as a guard at the next level.

Still, that won't be enough to discourage a team like the Pittsburgh Steelers from pouncing on him with the 17th overall pick. As two other tackles seem likely to be selected higher at this point, one of the best college football players in the nation could slip into the second half of the first round.

Skoronski may not be a tackle long-term, but he's still the best interior offensive line prospect in this draft thanks to his power, foot quickness, and refined technique. This would feel somewhat like the David DeCastro selection all over again, as a good player who shouldn't be there ends up slipping.

Meanwhile, the Steelers haven't selected an offensive lineman of any kind in the first or second round since taking DeCastro all the way back in 2012. This selection is long overdue, and Skoronski seems like a can't-miss pick thanks to his high floor as an interior offensive lineman.