Steelers Draft Digest: Fans Want Skoronski; Big LB Mocked

The Steelers draft Peter Skoronski, and so do the fans, and a big name linebacker lands in Pittsburgh in more than one mock draft.

: Steelers draft fans appear to know who they want in the 2023 NFL Draft. According to Pro Football Network, fans have picked Peter Skoronski the most in their mock draft simulator, clocking in at selecting him 17.6% of the time. The tackle out of Northwestern is one of the potential crown jewels of the class, and the Steelers landing a tackle of his caliber would be most welcome on the offensive line.

: The Senior Bowl is still adding some late additions with some late opt-outs coming at a few positions. Louisville quarterback Malik Cunningham and Charlotte wide receiver Grant DuBose were both added to the Senior Bowl roster on Wednesday, adding volume and a boon to the offensive players down in Mobile.

: The Draft Network conducted a new two-round mock draft, and some of the results were very interesting for the Steelers. In the first round, Pittsburgh took Northwestern tackle Peter Skoronski. Draft analyst Damian Parson had this to say on the pick.

“The Steelers’ weakness entering the season was their offensive line,” Parson wrote. “Peter Skoronski is some people’s top offensive tackle in the class. He is technically refined and intelligent. Regardless if he plays OT or is kicked inside at guard, get the best five players on the front line for Kenny Pickett and Najee Harris.”

From there on out, Pittsburgh took Maryland cornerback Deonte Banks with their first second-round pick. They followed it up with Clemson linebacker Trenton Simpson to round out the first two rounds. Those three picks fill three needs, and a lot of them are the best player available picks, so this would not surprise if this actually ends up happening or has some truth to it.

: Given where Simpson went in the last mock draft, this next result is even more interesting. In Doug Farrar’s new mock draft, he has Pittsburgh snagging Simpson at 17th overall. An athletic freak that has plenty to work on, the variance in his stock is a fascinating thing.

“Devin Bush has not been that guy. Robert Spillane, Myles Jack, Tae Crowder… the list of names has not been exceptional. Perhaps it’s time for Mike Tomlin to take a different tack in this regard — instead of trying to find the next great traditional off-ball ‘backer, maybe look for one of the new iterations of positionless linebackers who can do multiple things in multiple ways,” Farrar wrote.

Linebacker is a big need, but is it worthy of being picked at 17th overall? That is a question Pittsburgh will have to ask themselves, but if Simpson tests out of the water as he could, there’s always that chance.

: Jordan Reid of ESPN is live at the NFLPA Bowl, and he gave a particularly interesting shoutout to Southern Miss WR Jason Brownlee for his work during the week.

“Southern Miss WR Jason Brownlee (6021, 202) has been one of the better prospects here overall,” Reid said. “Crafty route runner, strong hands and really good body control at the catch point.”

Brownlee racked up a career-high 891 receiving yards for 8 touchdowns while averaging 16.2 yards per catch. His downfield explosiveness is something interesting to note, and he is on track to test well. Brownlee could be a sleeper that is drafted come April.