Steelers Draft Digest: Steelers Land Top Tackle, Murphy Declares

A top tackle in the NFL Draft is mocked to the Steelers while a top edge rusher prospect that could have the Steelers interested declares for the 2023 NFL Draft.

🏈: Clemson edge rusher Myles Murphy will skip the Orange Bowl and will enter the 2023 NFL Draft, he announced on Tuesday. Murphy, a first-team All-ACC selection, registered 6.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss in 2022 while playing for the Tigers. He was a three-year starter, showcasing his athleticism and versatility throughout his college career. Murphy stands to be a Top-15 pick and fits in as a prototypical 4-3 defensive end. The Steelers always visit Clemson, so keeping an eye on Murphy as someone who could be in their range is certainly important.

One of the best offensive tackles in the nation vs. one of the premier pass rushers. Advantage: Myles Murphy. pic.twitter.com/sNXSst3oJU

— Cory (@realcorykinnan) October 25, 2022

🏈: Texas A&M safety Antonio Johnson has declared for the 2023 NFL Draft in a Tweet on Tuesday. The 6-foot-3 safety racked up 71 tackles, 3 forced fumbles, and a pass deflection in the 2022 season. Johnson is currently mocked as a fringe first-round prospect, and with his size and physicality, offers lots of versatility. For now, the Steelers likely won’t look his way too much, but that could change if Terrell Edmunds leaves in free agency.

🏈: In a mock draft done by Todd McShay of ESPN, the Steelers land Ohio State tackle Paris Johnson Jr. with the 9th overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.

“Offensive line is the biggest need, and Johnson is an easy mover with quickness, power, improving technique and versatility to play multiple positions,” McShay wrote. “He settled in as the Buckeyes’ left tackle this season, allowing just one sack, and he would go a long way in helping protect Kenny Pickett. The Steelers didn’t use any draft picks on the line in April and have allowed 34 sacks this season (tied for ninth most). It’s time to get a cornerstone for this unit.”

Johnson is routinely thought of as one of the top three tackles in the 2023 NFL Draft. Along with Broderick Jones and Peter Skoronski, Johnson has developed his stock into a strong one. Although, he has slipped down some boards into the mid-teens recently. As McShay notes, Johnson is versatile, but filled in well at left tackle this season. For the Steelers, that could be perfect.

🏈: Maryland wide receiver Rakim Jarrett has declared for the 2023 NFL Draft. Jarrett was a five-star prospect coming out of high school that decided to stay home and play for Mike Locksley and the Terrapins. In 2022, Jarrett put up 40 receptions for 471 yards and 3 touchdowns. A three-year starter, Jarrett looks like a fluid route runner with plus speed. He currently is being mocked on the border of day two and day three, but with his pedigree and traits, his stock could easily rise throughout the process.

Gotta love Rakim Jarrett.

The little “Come on, follow me across the formation in man coverage, I dare ya” wave.

One of the top 2023 eligible WRs. 5⭐️ pic.twitter.com/fijO3YKhxd

— Travis May (@FF_TravisM) December 29, 2021

🏈: Minnesota running back Mohamad Ibrahim accepted an invite from the Shrine Bowl on Tuesday. Prior to suffering a torn Achilles in 2021, Ibrahim was thought of as a day-two prospect. He bounced back in a big way from his injury, racking up 1594 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns in his redshirt senior season. Now, he is thought of as a day three running back that could be a sleeper in the process.

🏈: Heading into Week 15, the Steleers currently hold four Top-75 picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. With the many needs the Steelers could have, that would benefit the Black and Gold greatly.