The Pittsburgh Steelers have many question marks heading into the off-season. Will Omar Khan address the left side of the offensive line? Or maybe an aging defensive line? Perhaps the continuous search for another lock down cornerback in the Steel City is a top priority? Today, we'll look at the top 2023 prospects for the black and gold, and just who may very well fall to the franchise in next April's NFL Draft.
Aug 12, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive guard Kevin Dotson (69) and offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. (65) walk off the field against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Round One - OT - Paris Johnson, Ohio State
Tall, long armed tackle who is really just coming into his own. He only has one season at LT under his belt, but has flashed the athleticism and length to be a Pro Bowl caliber tackle with some development. He also has position flexibility having played guard in 2021. Pittsburgh's current offensive line lacks a true LT, even though the line as a whole improved greatly from the 2021 season.
The inconsistency of Dan Moore Jr. at LT and Kevin Dotson at LG can be improved with one pick. Moore I believe would make a Pro Bowl caliber guard as he would have the athleticism and size to take that position to the next level. Johnson would improve the LT play and together make a great tandem on the left side.
Round Two - WR - Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State
The Steelers hit a homerun with George Pickens in 2022, but after trading Chase Claypool, no third WR option separated themselves from the pack. Also, Diontae Johnson is a free agent after 2023 and that could potentially leave Pickens as the lone receiver left from opening day this year. JSN is a dynamic receiver who's historic 2021 was followed up with an injury-plagued 2022.
His value is widely debated, but late-first, early-second round seems to be the consensus at this point. IMO, the Steelers should really consider moving Johnson to slot and allowing Calvin Austin III to continue his development over the 2023 season. Allowing for a Pickens to stay wide and have JSN play opposite and give Johnson to use his route running to eat up teams' nickel backs.
Round Two (Second Selection) - CB - Emmanuel Forbes, Mississippi State
Forbes has 6 interceptions this year with 3 going to the house. He is very fluid to mirror receivers and has a good first step to bait QB's. He's more quick than fast and isn't reliable in the run defense. But with Cam Sutton potentially gone and Ahkello Witherspoon regressing, CB is quickly becoming one of our bigger needs.
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback, Cam Sutton (20) during the first regular season game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sun., Sept. 11, 2022 in Cincinnati. (Abigail/Pittsburgh Steelers)
Round Three - ILB - DeMarvion Overshown, Texas
Overshown started his collegiate career at safety and after showing success as a box safety, was moved to ILB. The move allowed Overshown to display his speed and pursuit ability racking up 30.5 TFL, 9 sacks and 3 interceptions in his college career. With Devin Bush being an unrestricted free agent, I just don't see him coming back. Myles Jack is also only signed through 2023. I feel Overshown should be able to come in and quickly take ahold of the starting Mack backer position.
Round Four - DT - Mazi Smith, Michigan
Smith has shown the ability to take on double teams and still provide pressure up the middle. His ability to take on blockers and allow the ILB's to run free is a very underrated skill set that the Steelers desperately need. Smith has freak athleticism for his size also and I feel if he can learn to use his hands more effectively and track the ball. He could easily be an elite NT we have not seen since Casey Hampton.
Round Seven - TE - Brevyn Spann-Ford, Minnesota
Spann-Ford his a mountain of a TE at 6-7 270lbs. He is very athletic, competitive, and a very hard-nosed blocker regularly getting into the second level. He is a natural hands catcher and has been a reliable target for his QB the last two years. While Spann-Ford is an overall well-balanced tight end, in this day and age of the tight end, being an extension of the passing game, he might not get consideration for all the little things he does well. But as a #2 tight end and red zone blocker or passing threat, he definitely would fill the shoes of our likely departed Zach Gentry very well.
Round Seven (Second Selection) - Edge - Jose Ramirez, Eastern Michigan
Ramirez is a relentless pass rusher who uses his hands well and has outstanding bend and first step. He finished his Eagles football career with a stellar senior campaign of 66 tackles, 19.5 TFL, 12 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. With TJ Watt accounting for a large portion of the salary cap and Alex Highsmith's contract coming up for extension, it might be prudent to have another capable edge rusher on hand, even if just as a fill-in during injury or to keep Watt and Highsmith fresh.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 19: T.J. Watt #90 and Alex Highsmith #56 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrate a sack against the Tennessee Titans in the third quarter of the game at Heinz Field on December 19, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Do you like these draft selections? Or who would you like the Steelers to draft in 2023? Click to comment below!
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