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NFL Mock Draft: Steelers 7-round 2023 projection to give Kenny Pickett a real chance

By Cody Williams

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 09: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on October 09, 2022 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 09: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on October 09, 2022 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Steelers NFL mock draft 2023
Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois Fighting Illini (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Illinois. Jer'Zhan Newton. 3. player. 55. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. IDL

Steelers beef up the middle with Jer’Zhan Newton in this NFL mock draft

While edge rushers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith rightfully got a ton of credit for the success of Pittsburgh’s defensive front when that unit was healthy, the defensive line was solid as well. However, the depth is going to be tested in free agency this offseason with Larry Ogunjobi, Chris Wormley and Tyson Alualu set to hit the market.

That’s where one of the draft’s hidden gems in Illinois standout Jer’Zhan Newton could come into play and be a tremendous force for the Steelers at the next level.

After two middling seasons with the Illini, he blossomed into a star in the 2022 season, registering four sacks, 36 hurries and three batted passes on the season. Moreover, Newton proved to be an asset in every phase of the game as a great pass rusher on the interior but an even more effective run-stopper as well. He could potentially start on Day 1 if the Steelers landed him in Round 3.

Jonathan Mingo. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. WR. Ole Miss. 4. player. 55

Jonathan Mingo could be the Steelers’ next great draft steal at WR

Even when they’ve not necessarily been as productive as their talent profile would suggest, we’ve seen a recent history of Ole Miss receivers really taking it to another level once they get into a pass-happier and more friendly offense in the NFL. Jonathan Mingo might not live up to the high bar set by the likes of DK Metcalf and A.J. Brown, to be sure. However, he has the profile of someone who could be really nice catching passes from Pickett.

In his final year with the Rebels, Mingo hauled in 51 passes on 87 targets for 861 yards and five touchdowns. Those numbers aren’t bad but it was also done with subpar quarterback play for much of the year (Lane Kiffin brought in two new transfers this offseason at the position, if that tells you anything). Mingo consistently showed the ability to separate and continued to display that at this year’s Senior Bowl.

Pittsburgh has a knack for identifying mid-round receiving talent and hitting home runs. Mingo could be the next round-tripper, so to speak.

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