This week on The Steelers Fix podcast, Jeremy Betz and I broke down our mock draft dual for the Steelers, analyzing the differences, similarities, and benefits. If you have not yet listened to it, be sure to do so below!

If you have any thoughts on this mock draft, be sure to share them in the comment section below. Let’s dive in!

Round 1

***PROJECTED TRADE***

Broncos receive Picks 20, 51, and a 2026 4th round pick; Steelers receive Picks 12 and 76

12. Steelers- Rome Odunze | WR | Washington

As a Steelers fan, I do not find value in trading up for a player at the deepest position in the draft. However, the rumors surrounding the Steelers’ interest in Odunze seem legit. He is a physical menace on the perimeter who will be a stalwart of the Steelers offense under Arthur Smith.

Round 2

No Picks. Traded away.

Round 3

Pick 76- Blake Fisher | OT | Notre Dame

Fisher was flying under the radar until a strong showing at the Combine, which has caused teams to go back and reevaluate the tape. While not the All-Pro prospect Joe Alt, Fisher did a solid job manning the other tackle spot on a strong Notre Dame offensive line. After letting go of Chuckwuma Okorafor, the Steelers have a major need at tackle, and Dan Moore certainly does not bode much confidence on the right or left side. Getting Fisher allows the Steelers to move Broderick Jones to his natural spot at left tackle.

Pick 84- Ruke Orhorhoro | DL | Clemson

Orhorhoro is relatively new to the sport and still learning the game, but the athletic traits are off the board. At 6’4″, 294 pounds, Ruke has the ideal size to develop into a high-upside 5-technique. The nice part about coming to Pittsburgh is that he will not be rushed into the fold, as the Steelers still have Cameron Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi in starting roles. This is definitely a boom-or-bust selection, but for someone who many project to be off the board by Round 2, this is solid value and an excellent fit.

Pick 98- Tanor Bortolini | C | Wisconsin

Considering I waited this long to give the Steelers a center, I should probably clarify that I expect the team to sign a veteran center before the draft (i.e. Brian Allen). Nonetheless, the Steelers need to find someone to develop at the position, and Bortolini looks like a Steeler from an athletic standpoint. While I am not Bortolini’s biggest fan, he does provide top-level athleticism and impressive physicality in the run game. He has starter potential but will not likely be ready for a starting job in his rookie season.

Round 4

Pick 121- M.J. Devonshire | CB | Pittsburgh

Ideally, I would like to see the Steelers snag a Mike Sainristill in Round 3, but with other pressing needs, the Steelers may opt to go a different direction and forego corner until Day 3. Devonshire has been a pre-draft riser due to his impressive combine performance and strong 2023 tape. His lack of physicality is an area he will need to improve in, but he provides ideal burst, instincts, and ball skills. He has the potential to be a strong nickel corner at the next level.

Round 5

No picks.

Round 6

Pick 178- Eyabi Okie-Anoma | EDGE | Charlotte

The Steelers found a stud from Charlotte at the position before. Could they do it again? Akie-Anoma is a raw, but athletic defender who could blossom in the right system in the NFL. Quite the anomaly even in today’s age, Okie-Anoma is a… QUAD-transfer! Yes, he transferred from Alabama to Houston, from Houston to Tennessee-Martin, from Tennessee-Martin to Michigan, and from Michigan to Charlotte. Character concerns plagued the early years of his collegiate career, but it seems as if he has righted the ship over the past couple seasons. While not the greatest at diagnosing plays pre-snap, his short-area quickness and change-of-direction skills make up for it, as he can overcome most of his flaws with superior athleticism. He would be an ideal developmental pick in the later rounds.

Pick 195- Devin Leary | QB | Kentucky

A transfer from North Carolina State, Leary had good moments and bad moments for the Wildcats, but his pre-draft process has been impressive. He has never gotten back to his 2021 self that recorded a 35:5 touchdown-to-interception ratio, but he still has enough smarts and talent to carve out a lengthy NFL career as a backup.

Round 7

No picks.

What are your thoughts on this mock draft? Which picks do you think could actually happen? Be sure to share your thoughts on this and all things NFL Draft in the comment section below!