Dynasty fantasy football is a year-round affair. A sharp manager will be thinking about all aspects of the dynasty season. Those managers keen enough to look ahead will be the ones who can grab themselves an edge over the competition. Industry professionals and content creators will spend most of the dynasty off-season discussing incoming rookies and the related topic, the NFL draft. We easily fall in love with the next workhorse running back or prototypical alpha wide receiver. But a manager in tune with the entire draft class will find themselves ahead of the game. Whether it is the next road-paving interior offensive lineman or genetic freak edge rusher, we can find ourselves at quite the advantage come April by building an entire picture of how the 2023 class will play out. Those who prepare ahead will not be often surprised at the outcomes.
Credit for the mock draft simulation goes to the NFL Mock Draft Database. Team needs are also generated from this site. Compensatory picks have not been assigned or included in this exercise.
2023 Season Recap
The Pittsburgh Steelers weren’t expected to compete for the Super Bowl, or even the division, in 2023. The Cincinnati Bengals were still top contenders, the Browns had a second year of Deshaun Watson on the way, and the Ravens still had Lamar Jackson. The Steelers had Kenny Pickett, who underwhelmed as a rookie so further development was expected.
What would ensue was a normal Steelers season under Mike Tomlin. The roster itself had its stars, but holes still remained. The coaching staff covered them, getting the most juice out of its squeeze, but the quarterback position ended up being the ultimate letdown. Kenny Pickett would be hurt and replaced by Mitchell Trubisky, who was ultimately led by Mason Rudolph, who ended up thriving and keeping the team in contention.
The team missed the playoffs, and Mike Tomlin was retained, but hope is on the horizon. Kenny Pickett isn’t guaranteed the starting job anymore, as the team made the first quarterback domino fall when they signed Russell Wilson. His style doesn’t fit what many expect this offense to look like, but stranger marriages have worked.
Mock Draft
1.20 Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon
Oregon's Jackson Powers-Johnson had as good of @seniorbowl week as any IOL in past 5-6 years and that includes future All-Pros like Creed Humphrey and Chris Lindstrom.@BigJax58 had his pro-day this afternoon so wanted to share 3-clip🧵from Mobile that shows what makes him… pic.twitter.com/eJIoc46OmI
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) March 13, 2024
It is not often that centers get to be taken in the first round, but two recent examples are Tyler Linderbaum and Frank Ragnow. Both are some of the best at their position because talent is talent. Powers-Johnson is the talent and answer for the Steelers offensive line. He will anchor the middle of the offense and direct traffic by creating running lanes for Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren.
2.51 Kiran Amegadjie, OT, Yale
I am a big fan of Amegadjie out of Yale. One big question is whether he plays tackle or guard. Both are positions of need for the Steelers and this pick, paired with Powers-Johnson, solidifies this offensive line. Wilson needs the time to create within the offense, and the running backs need help. This is a classic Steelers pick that may shock some on draft day, but when he becomes a ten-year veteran, it will be okay.
3.84 Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, DB, Texas Tech
Taylor-Demerson was a star during practice at the Shrine Bowl. His size was on full display, his ability to play different types of coverage set him apart, and he could make a big impact because of those traits. The team did acquire Donte Jackson in the Diontae Johnson trade but this secondary is in shambles. They have tried the veteran route before, but it is time for a youth infusion.
4.119 Tykee Smith, S, Georgia
Not too many DBs in this draft class play with as much force as Georgia’s Tykee Smith.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 8, 2024
He can cover too (led Georgia with 4 picks last year), but he’s a legit difference maker as an open field defender tackler. pic.twitter.com/dZfjerRJdz
Did we mention the secondary is in shambles? Smith would be a perfect compliment at the safety position opposite Minkah Fitzpatrick. Georgia’s safety made plays in both the run and pass game, which is something the Steelers’ defense asks of its defensive backs. After the trade for Jackson and drafting Taylor-Demerson, this secondary has reliable playmakers in place at every spot.
4.120 Javon Baker, WR, UCF
Out goes Diontae Johnson, and in comes Javon Baker. The UCF wide receiver had impressive film and then went down to Mobile, Alabama, and showed in front of the NFL that he could back it up. He plays big when needed, runs clean routes, and has a developed route tree for a college receiver. The team has shown they can develop receivers; doing it with Wilson or Pickett seems like the ideal scenario.
6.178 M.J. Devonshire, CB, Pittsburgh
Is it overkill? Perhaps, but again, this team needs depth and youth infusion in secondary school. The AFC North is loaded with passing talent and some of the best receivers in the league. Devonshire won’t be a day-one starter, but it is worth a stash. It also gets the bonus of the Steelers drafting someone on the other side of their facility, so they know him well.
6.195 Sam Hartman, QB, Notre Dame
Mason Rudolph’s replacement in the quarterback room rounds out the mock draft. Hartman is a serviceable quarterback with an underwhelming arm, but he could serve as an emergency quarterback for the team and a good camp arm. If he turns into anything, great; however, if he doesn’t, then no harm, no foul. Hartman is a perfect backup or practice squad stash for someone late in the sixth or seventh round.
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