The Pittsburgh Steelers made a bold move when they traded up with the New England Patriots to select Georgia tackle Broderick Jones, a potential franchise cornerstone for years to come. 

The best part is, they only gave up a day-three pick, in their fourth-round selection of 120th overall to the Pats. That means that as of Friday morning, they are still armed with three day two picks, including the first pick on Friday night at 32nd overall. 

So let's look at which players the Steelers should target in tonight's draft, with picks 32, 49, and 80 coming soon. 

Steelers Mock Draft: Three day two selections that make sense

Round 2-No. 32 overall: Brian Branch, DB, Alabama

Branch is a special player with the ability to be a Swiss army knife in the Steelers secondary. With the departure of Terrell Edmunds in free agency, Pittsburgh needs to fill that void, and Branch would do that and then some, with his versatility and football intelligence. 

Here is a nugget on Branch from A to Z Sports Tyler Browning:

Can tell he spends his time in the film room. He is constantly on top of push calls and knows who to pick up. Saw him progress as a leader and a communicator during his tenure. Went from not making push calls in 2021 to making them in 2022.

Round 2-No. 49 overall: Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State

Brents is a lengthy corner with exceptional athleticism given his 6'3 200 pound frame. He embodies the modern-day corner, with the length, physicality, and movement ability to be a cornerback #1. 

Here is what A to Z Sports Tyler Browning had to say about Brents:

Has vines for arms, measured in with 33 6/8” at the Senior Bowl which would put him in the 98th percentile for all corners. More than comfortable getting in the receiver’s face and getting hands on them. Plays in trail at an exceptionally high level. Can cement his feet when attempting to jam the receiver, it is only for a moment, but that is sometimes all the receiver needs

Round 3-No.80 overall: Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State

Henley is the prototypical modern-day linebacker, with an explosive mentality and the ability to play the run, yet cover ground and get to green grass as a zone dropper or mirror tight ends in coverage. 

Here is part of my evaluation of Henley:

Length that sits on an elongated but chiseled frame. Can play in the boundary or as an overhang. Able to zone drop from a mugged look pre-snap. Carries wideouts up the boundary, aware enough to get his head around and play the ball. Fluid enough to sink and send, flipping his hips and covering ground. Finding the ball is something he does consistently on tape, with routine plays involving turnovers. Constantly running to and through the ball carrier.