NFL Mock Draft: Steelers protect Kenny Pickett in 7-round 2023 projection

Dorian Williams is the coverage linebacker the Steelers defense is lacking

When you look at the revamped linebacker corps in Pittsburgh, there’s a lot to like. Cole Holcomb has been a vastly underrated player in Washington, Elandon Roberts has been solid everywhere he’s gone, and the edge-rush combo of T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith is truly elite.

The one thing that’s sorely lacking is a strong coverage player in that group who can come in on passing downs in sub-packages and be effective against the run if there’s a misdirect but also cover a variety of positions. That’s why it would make sense for the Steelers to target Dorian Williams in the third round out of Tulane.

As an undersized player at the position, Williams is still solid at the run with good instincts, but he’s at his best as an athletic and instinctive player with the length to cover tight ends and the speed to cover backs and some slot receivers. He could be a real asset to really round out this Pittsburgh defense and what they need.

Is Xavier Hutchinson the Steelers’ next WR steal in the draft?

For years, it’s been like clockwork that this organization has been able to find terrific value in the draft when it comes to wide receivers. Whether it’s Antonio Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson or a number of others, they just keep making it happen.

Pittsburgh has to feel confident in the top two players at the position right now in Johnson and George Pickens (another potential steal as he has first-round talent and fell to Round 2). Though there is hope for Calvin Austin III, the depth behind Johnson and Pickens is lackluster.

Xavier Hutchinson was a star despite being on aggressively mediocre Iowa State offenses and still produced more than 2,000 yards over his final two years in college. With great size at 6-foot-2, 203 pounds and some reliable athleticism, he could be a great third option to insert into the receiving corps.

Round 1 | Round 2