There are a few players in the 2023 NFL Draft that have obvious connections to the Pittsburgh Steelers. USC wide receiver, Jordan Addison is one of them. Not only did he play at the University of Pittsburgh for two years, but he was teammates with Steelers quarterback, Kenny Pickett. The two built a close relationship, as Pickett became a Heisman candidate and Addison developed into arguably the best WR in college football.
Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Unfortunately, wide receiver isn’t exactly one of the Steelers’ biggest needs. With Addison being one of the top wideouts in the draft class, he’ll likely be selected in the first round. There’s a chance he could be available at the team’s 32nd overall pick, but more likely for the 17th pick. When speaking to the media on Friday, Addison had this say on the prospect of playing for the black and gold via Nick Farabaugh of Pittsburgh Sports Now:
“Aye man, if we reunited, that would be good. That would be real cool, real easy transition. Come get me," Addison said at the 2023 NFL Combine on Friday.
Just over a month ago, Pickett stated that he would obviously love to reunite with his former teammate. While it remains unlikely, it’s something the front office could still consider. Beyond Diontae Johnson and George Pickens, the team’s wide receiver room is full of unknowns. It all has to do with how much confidence the team has in Calvin Austin III, a fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
PHOTO CREDIT: JORDAN SCHOFIELD/STEELERNATION (@JSKO_PHOTO TWITTER)
Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III was expected to have a big role in the team's offense before suffering a foot injury before the 2022 season began.
Addison an unlikely draft pick for Steelers due to Calvin Austin III
Recently, general manager Omar Khan expressed the utmost confidence in Austin and his ability. Of course, health is a whole different factor. Addison and Austin are similar body types as well, so it's unclear if the team would opt to go that route again. Khan stated that the 2022 fourth-rounder will be ready to go by the spring and eventually training camp. Austin missed his whole rookie season due to a foot injury suffered before the season.
After a setback or two, he wasn't able to make it onto the field for his rookie campaign. As for Addison, his numbers actually saw a slight dip at USC this past season with Caleb Williams at quarterback. In 11 games, he racked up 59 catches for 875 yards and eight touchdowns. Late in the season, he suffered an ankle injury that ended up plaguing him for the remainder of the season, which eventually forced him to miss the Cotton Bowl. Still, he has the talent, and the connection between Addison and Pickett has to intrigue the Steelers front office.
Do you want the Steelers to go after Addison? If he was only available for the 17th overall pick, would you take him? What are your expectations for Austin in 2023? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, yinz?
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