NFL Mock Draft: Steelers protect Kenny Pickett in 7-round 2023 projection
DL. 2. Scouting Report. Mazi Smith. player. 55. Pick Analysis. Michigan
Mazi Smith is another trump card the Steelers defensive line needs
If Michigan star Mazi Smith falls out of the first round, the Steelers would be absolute fools to not be there waiting at the start of Day 2 ready to turn in the draft card with his name on it thanks to the Chase Claypool trade with the Bears.
Cameron Heyward remains a star for Pittsburgh and the team brought back Larry Ogunjobi on a three-year deal in free agency. But the former is 33 years old and there’s less faith in Montravius Adams as the projected starting nose tackle.
That’s what makes Smith a potentially special pick for the Steelers. At 6-foot-3, 323 pounds, the Michigan product is a freak athlete who just didn’t put all the tools together in college. But he has the requisite size to play the nose and the traits to be an all-world defender who is equally adept at stuffing the run, eating space and gaps, and even rushing the passer if he develops. He’s a potential star that could foster the defensive line’s prominence for years to come.
player. 55. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. CB. Kansas State. Julius Brents. 2
Steelers can bank on the traits and talent of Julius Brents to improve secondary
I’ve been critical of the Patrick Peterson signing for Pittsburgh, especially with the Steelers essentially naming him the replacement for the departing Cam Sutton. But Peterson did play well enough in Minnesota last year, so perhaps it can be a short-term option for the Steelers.
With that being said, secondary isn’t a spot where this franchise can afford to just plug holes temporarily. It’s overall been an area of concern for some time and they need to hit on longer-term solutions, which is what Julius Brents out of Kansas State could be.
Brents doesn’t possess elite athleticism or speed, but you can’t teach the length at 6-foot-3 that he has on the outside, nor can you teach the ball skills that led to four interceptions for K-State a year ago. If he’s allowed to take his time getting up to NFL speed, something the Peterson addition could help with, Brents could be a shutdown corner on the outside.