Latest ESPN mock draft has Steelers making a selection that would mean saying goodbye to key starter
ESPN's Todd McShay revealed his newest 2023 mock draft on Wednesday and he has the Pittsburgh Steelers making a selection that would likely mean saying goodbye to a key starter. McShay has the Steelers selecting Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. From ESPN: If the Steelers […]
ESPN's Todd McShay revealed his newest 2023 mock draft on Wednesday and he has the Pittsburgh Steelers making a selection that would likely mean saying goodbye to a key starter.
McShay has the Steelers selecting Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
If the Steelers can't retain Cameron Sutton, then Gonzalez makes a lot of sense as a replacement. He has 6-foot-2 size, good length, some serious wheels and high-end ball skills, as evidenced by four interceptions in 2022. And if Pittsburgh does re-sign Sutton or add another cornerback via free agency, Gonzalez has versatility to move around the secondary and line up over the slot.
Alternatively, the Steelers could look at offensive line reinforcements, though the top three offensive tackles are off the board in this scenario.
If Pittsburgh selects Gonzalez in the first round, there's a good chance it means that cornerback Cam Sutton didn't re-sign with the team in March.
By the time the draft rolls around in late April, the top players in free agency will have already signed. Drafting a cornerback in the first round would mean it's a top need. And that's likely only the case if Sutton signs elsewhere.
And there's a good chance that happens. Sutton very easily could've priced himself out of Pittsburgh with his play this past season — especially considering the Steelers' tight salary cap situation.
Pittsburgh certainly has some big decisions to make this offseason and deciding whether or not they should keep Sutton is on that list.
Featured image via Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
