Latest mock draft has the Pittsburgh Steelers landing one of the biggest steals in the 2023 NFL Draft

The latest mock draft from Pro Football Network has the Pittsburgh Steelers landing one of the biggest steals in the 2023 NFL Draft. Pro Football Network's James Fragoza has the Steelers selecting Tennessee Vols offensive tackle Darnell Wright with the No. 32 overall pick (second round, due to the Miami Dolphins forfeiting their first-round pick […]

Zach Ragan — Tennessee Volunteers News Writer
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The latest mock draft from Pro Football Network has the Pittsburgh Steelers landing one of the biggest steals in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Pro Football Network's James Fragoza has the Steelers selecting Tennessee Vols offensive tackle Darnell Wright with the No. 32 overall pick (second round, due to the Miami Dolphins forfeiting their first-round pick this season).

Pittsburgh acquired the No. 32 overall pick in the trade that sent wide receiver Chase Claypool to the Chicago Bears.

From PFN:

Darnell Wright is a massive (6’6″, 335) right tackle that can actually operate fluidly in his cylinder. He flashed in his matchup against Will Anderson and has the strength to torque defenders against their will at the next level.

Steelers
Tennessee offensive lineman Darnell Wright (58) during a football game between Tennessee and Ball State at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022.Kns Utvbs0901

Wright should be a first-round pick. There's no reason he should slip to the second round.

The former five-star recruit didn't allow a single sack in 2022 while playing 895 snaps (including Tennessee's win against Clemson in the Orange Bowl).

Wright's best performance of the year came in the Vols' win against Alabama when he completely shut down Crimson Tide edge rusher Will Anderson, an expected top-five draft pick.

He also shut down LSU edge rusher BJ Ojulari, another potential first-round pick.

Wright is also an asset in the run-blocking game.

Not only is Wright an elite right tackle, but he'd also be a good cultural fit with the Steelers. Wright is from Huntington, WV — just four hours away from Pittsburgh (the Steelers are the closest NFL team to Huntington).

Beefing up the offensive line will be one of Pittsburgh's off-season priorities. And Wright would certainly help fill that need. He's essentially a perfect fit for the Steelers.

Featured image via Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

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