NFL Mock Draft: 3 first round mistakes the Steelers cannot make

First round mistakes the Steelers cannot make in the 2023 NFL Draft: Missing on a top-4 cornerback

The Steelers’ top two draft needs, heading into the big weekend, are cornerback and offensive tackle. The only offensive tackle that’s a surefire pick at No. 17 would be Ohio State’s Paris Johnson Jr. Otherwise, Oklahoma’s Anton Harrison and Tennessee’s Darnell Wright are late-first type of guys.

On the other hand, the most likely scenario and best value would be to get a top-4 corner in the draft, and there are some good ones. Illinois’ Devon Witherspoon and Oregon’s Christian Gonzalez will be off the board by No. 17, barring an unforeseen and inexplicable situation unfolding. But, the other two are well-worth the Steelers’ pick.

How perfect of a situation would it be for Joey Porter Jr., not having to travel far from Penn State, and the son of a Steelers all-time great, to be drafted by Pittsburgh? Porter plays a lot like his father. He’s physical. He’s an absolute dog, and Steelers fans would love his style.

But, it’s not just Porter who could be there. Pittsburgh might just have the option to draft someone like Maryland’s Deonte Banks, a six-foot corner with 4.35 speed and a 42-inch vertical. He’s not just a first-round talent, he’s a physical freak.

Pittsburgh can’t ride into the season with Levi Wallace opposite an aging Patrick Peterson and think they’re going to be fine, because they’re not. If Porter or Banks are on the board, they have to be the pick.