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

Steelers mock draft round 2: CB Jaylon Jones

This pick would feel like the first real reach for me in the 2023 NFL Draft for the Steelers, but Jaylon Jones is a player they could be interested in. Pittsburgh's brass had a formal meeting with Jones at the NFL Combine. It's also worth noting that the Steelers doubled up on Texas A&M players in 2021, so this selection is right in their wheelhouse.

Unfortunately, Jones isn't the total package at the cornerback position. At 6'2'' and 200 pounds, Jones is a big, physical cornerback with plus explosion. However, his 4.57-speed would be much of the same for a secondary that already lacks the gear to stick with speedy receivers.

On top of that, Jones is one of the oldest prospects in the draft at 25 years old. This means that there probably isn't a lot of upside to be had here. While he does have solid tape against SEC competition, I would be disappointed using a second-round pick on this player.

Still, the Steelers have a serious need at CB, and Jones is a player they met with once already. In such a talented cornerback class, coming away with Jaylon Jones in the second round isn't what we should be hoping for, but it's definitely possible.