If the actual Pittsburgh Steelers mock draft plays out like CBS Sports’ latest attempt, the Steelers will have a completely different-looking runner-up in 2023. Ryan Wilson has compiled his latest three-round projection in the NFL and two defensemen against the Steelers mocked their first two selections.
He starts 17th and lets Pittsburgh win against the versatile DB Brian Branch of Alabama. Wilson explains the selection, writing:
“Pittsburgh is targeting S1 instead, especially after losing Terrell Edmunds to the Eagles. Brian Branch is special; He can play in the slot, near the line of scrimmage, or in deep centerfield. And if Nick Saban trusted him in Alabama, that’s all you need to know about his NFL prospects. He ran a 4.58 at the combine but he plays way faster than that.”
Much like Minkah Fitzpatrick, Branch isn’t considered a standout athlete but makes up for it with great game speed, thanks in large part to his processing and football IQ allowing him to play faster. He was a threat in the running game with a whopping 14 tackles lost last season, and while he’s on the easier side, Alabama had no problem playing him close to the line of scrimmage. At just 21, he checks every box the Steelers look for and they sent the house to his Pro Day including DBs Coach Grady Brown and DC Teryl Austin. A logical choice here, although we’ll see if the Steelers focus on the trenches before skill positions.
Ranked 32nd at the top of Round 2, Wilson Georgia CB taunts Kelee Ringo to the Steelers. With no explanation beyond the first round, we can assume he replaced Cam Sutton and added speed and pedigree to replace him. Pittsburgh have signed Patrick Peterson, but he’s turning 33 and nearing the end of his career. Ringo is a polarizing prospect who’s been criticized for having a tight waist, and some believe he’s best kept safe. Pittsburgh seems interested in him and is said to be taking him on for a pre-draft visit soon.
With the team’s initial pick for the second round, #49 overall, the Steelers pick EDGE/DL Tuli Tuipulotu from USC. A tenacious pass rusher at 266 pounds, he broke out with 22 tackles for loss, 13.5 sack season for the Trojans last year. It caught the attention of Pittsburgh and he, like Ringo, has a top 30 visit planned with the team. EDGE depth is a necessity here, but once the team signs Bud Dupree, it becomes far less urgent.
Finally, the Steelers dive into the small school waters at No. 80 in the third round with Sacramento State LB Marte Mapu. He made noise during the All-Star Game Circle, earned a Senior Bowl call-up, and impressed. An overhang/safety at school, he played a traditional off-ball linebacker in Mobile but impressed with his coverage ability. Our Tyler Wise wrote this blurb about him after day three of Senior Bowl practice.
“He had a solid day of coverage yesterday but brought the physicality into today’s practice. He only weighed 217 pounds, but I had to keep checking my roster to make sure that was his weight after watching him come downhill in the 9-on-7 drill. Earlier in the period he was eaten up by Florida OG O’Cyrus Torrence and Old Dominion OL Nick Saldiveri. On the next iteration, the switch was flipped for Mapu. He ran through Saldiver, pressed a shoulder to his chest and went straight into the unsuspecting running back. Later in that period, he came screaming downhill like a freight train and blasted Oklahoma FB Brayden Willis en route to a big stick on running back, another Sooner, Eric Gray.
It’s rare for the Steelers to call up a junior, especially on the West Coast. Last might have been Weber State’s 1999 S Scott Shields, even ahead of Colbert, but things could be different under GM Omar Khan. It’s worth noting that Assistant GM Andy Weidl was once a West Area Scout and may still know the area well.
As a reminder, here are the four players who were mocked after Pittsburgh.
#17 – Brian Branch/DB Alabama
#33 – Kelee Ringo/CB Georgia
#49 – EDGE/EDGE USC
#80 – Marte Mapu/LB State of Sacramento
Not a bad selection of players, although Ringo’s choice will cause some controversy. The biggest problem is that the Steelers go on defense with four straight picks and don’t even address the defensive line. Also, this team does nothing along the offensive line on days one and two. The prospects may be good, but the rostering here is a little less logical.
Elsewhere in Wilson’s mockery, he has Ohio State QB CJ Stroud ranked No. 1 for the Carolina Panthers. Georgia DL Jalen Carter drops Atlanta to 8th while wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is 11th to the Houston Texans. Rounding out the first round is the big Ohio State OT Dawand Jones, #31 to Kansas City. Click here again to read his entire mock.
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