Does The Steelers' 2023 Draft Change Now That They Assured The Linebacker Position?

The inside linebacker position was heavily looked at this NFL free agency period for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and they finally made some additions. This week, they brought in Elandon Roberts from the Miami Dolphins, as well as Cole Holcomb from the Washington Commanders. While it is nice that they brought in these new additions, it is also worth mentioning that they have cut Myles Jack and have not re-signed Devin Bush or Robert Spillane. So that begs the question, is linebacker a position the Steelers still go after high in the upcoming NFL Draft?

Steelers will take a linebacker

Many people have been speculating that the Steelers will take a linebacker in the 2nd or 3rd round of the draft. Iowa's Jack Campbell and Arkansas's Drew Sanders are just two of the names that have been thrown around. Clemson's Trenton Simpson is another guy to be on the lookout for as Mike Tomlin was just at his Pro Day and was even said to have dinner with him:

Free agency is still an option even. Guys like Bobby Wagner, Rashaan Evans, Deion Jones, and Tanner Muse are still unsigned from this class. Many fans might not want to hear this, but giving Devin Bush a one-year prove it deal isn't necessarily completely out of the picture. But is the linebacker position still a huge need for the Steelers?

I feel that the Steelers have other needs now, rather than finding an additional linebacker. Cornerback is what I feel is slowly turning into priority number 1. Although they did pick up potential future Hall of Famer, Patrick Peterson, the position still looks very bare. With that, the Steelers did however lose last year's number 1 cornerback Cameron Sutton as he has signed with the Detroit Lions. This leaves the Steelers needing to build here. With that, I would hope that they take a cornerback early and possibly double-dip at this position within the first three rounds.

Obviously, Joey Porter Jr., son of former Steelers Pro Bowl linebacker, Joey Porter Sr., is one of, if not the main guy to look out for in the draft. Christian Gonzalez out of Oregon is another play-maker to watch for. A duo to watch in the early round could be Maryland's Deonte Banks and Jakorian Bennett. Banks is most likely to be selected in the 1st round and Bennett will most likely be a 3rd or 4th round guy.

Free agency isn't yet out of the picture either. Rock Ya-Sin, Sean Murphy-Bunting, Greedy Williams, and Byron Jones are just some of the guys I wouldn't mind coming to Pittsburgh. I feel like as of now, cornerback is the must-draft position for the Steelers and has taken over the spot the of linebacker.

So, what do you think, Steeler Nation? Is linebacker the biggest position of need? Should the Steelers focus on cornerback instead? Let me know in the comments below!

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