By now, you know that the Pittsburgh Steelers are in search for a new offensive tackle. That means either (or both) Dan Moore Jr. or Chukwuma Okorafor will face a battle for a starting job in training camp. Based off the meetings and overall pre-draft interest over the past few months, it seems likely the Steelers will select a tackle early in the 2023 NFL Draft. There are still options out there in free agency, most notably veteran Taylor Lewan.
Photo Credit: Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
Former Tennessee Titans LT Taylor Lewan
For awhile, it seemed like there was mutual interest between the Steelers and Lewan. The nine-year lineman continues to recover from his torn ACL, so he likely won't sign with a team until later in the summer. Speaking of the former Tennessee Titans lineman, he addressed his thoughts on some of the top linemen in this year's draft class. Via his podcast Bussin' With The Boys and their trip to Columbus, he spoke on Ohio State's Paris Johnson Jr. and Northwestern's Peter Skoronski.
"Kid's [Johnson] got feet. He's got the highest ceiling in the draft for sure. Kid from Northwestern [Skoronski], he's probably the most put-together offensive lineman right now, as far as technically sound [and] using his hands. If you have a good o-line coach, you can mold him [Johnson] into something, like a Pro Bowl guy."
This opinion seems to be pretty popular, as Skoronski played three years in the Big 10 at an elite level. The only concern for him at the next level is if he can play offensive tackle. If Pittsburgh thinks he can, he should absolutely be considered with the 17th overall pick, if he even makes it that far. Many scouts and executives do view him as an offensive guard in the NFL, which isn't a need for the Steelers at this point.
Photo Credit: Brad Mills/USA TODAY Sports
Northwestern Wildcats offensive lineman Peter Skoronski (77) prepares to block against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium.
Now on their trip to Columbus, Lewan and his co-host Will Compton interviewed Johnson. He gave out a few of his top destinations to which he'd want to play, none of which included Pittsburgh. It would be a surprise if he even makes it out of the top 10, as general manager Omar Khan would likely have to trade up in order to get him. In the process of their trip though, Lewan got to watch a little workout of Johnson.
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He's no stranger to success at the NFL level, as he's made three Pro Bowls in his impressive career. Johnson is viewed as the riskiest pick of the OT's, but also seems to possess the highest upside. The Ohio State product has elite athleticism, but at times, he lacks physicality at the point of attack. It's unlikely both fall to 17, so the Steelers may not have to make a decision between the two anyways.
If you had your choice between the two, would you prefer Skoronski or Johnson? Who do you think is the best tackle in this year's draft class? Who do you think the Steelers will ultimately get with the 17th overall pick? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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