With less than three weeks until the 2023 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers are in the final stages of preparing their strategy to land the players who will help complement the current structure of the team's roster. During the pre-draft process, the team has hosted a number of prospects, with the most common positions being cornerback, offensive line, wide receiver, and defensive line. Omar Khan and the entire Steelers' front office may have an ideal scenario in place for the players they hope to add, but also undoubtedly have contingency plans in place depending on how the board falls on draft night.
Tony Walsh/University of Georgia Athletics
Steelers' 2023 NFL Draft prospect, CB Kelee Ringo.
The Steelers have done a stellar job of adding veteran free agent players to help fill the voids left behind by players such as Cam Sutton and Robert Spillane. Furthermore, the team has upgraded various position groups, most notably the offensive line, with the signings of both Isaac Seumalo and Nate Herbig. With seven total picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, including three in the top 50, the Steelers are in a prime position to transform their roster into one of the most talented in the entire AFC. With that being said, the NFL Draft is completely unpredictable. There is no way to guess how the picks will shake out. Therefore, it is up to the front office to have multiple plans to ensure the roster is improved as much as possible prior to the start of the regular season.
Part of the contingency plan for Omar Khan and the Pittsburgh Steelers is to have free agent players in mind if the team does not land their preferred prospect(s) in the NFL Draft. Just this past year, the team signed veteran safety, Damontae Kazee, just a few days after the conclusion of the 2022 NFL Draft after failing to find a safety during the three-day event. For the Steelers, there are two players in particular who may fit this bill nicely in 2023, those being linebacker Myles Jack and cornerback William Jackson III, both of which were on the Steelers in 2022. Both were cap casualties this offseason. However, depending on the players who are added to the roster come April 27-29, they may find their way back to Pittsburgh.
Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (Twitter: JSKO_Photo)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety, Damontae Kazee.
Could Myles Jack Round Out the Steelers' ILB Room In 2023?
The release of Myles Jack was not necessarily a result of poor play, but rather a sizable cap hit of over $11 million in 2023. His play was decent for the team in 2022 before injuries, leading the team in tackles with 104. However, his lack of big plays from the inside linebacker spot did not justify the Steelers keeping him on the roster with the contract he signed during the 2022 offseason.
PHOTO CREDIT: JORDAN SCHOFIELD/STEELERNATION (@JSKO_PHOTO TWITTER)
Steelers' Myles Jack will play a crucial role next year for the team even if they can sign another player at the position.
Currently, the inside linebacker room consists of newly signed free agents, Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts, as well as second-year player, Mark Robinson. The team has great expectations for all three players in 2023. However, if the team is unable to add a premier inside linebacker prospect during this year's NFL Draft, they may just turn to Jack, who is a well-respected player and still only 27 years old.
Recently, Dejan Kovacevic from DK Pittsburgh Sports had this to offer regarding a possible reunion between Jack and the Steelers:
"Do not rule out a return for Myles Jack at some markedly lower price," Kovacevic wrote. "Management loved him, and he fit well with the defense. The only non-fit was the $11.25 million cap hit. It only makes sense that the Steelers would want to wait to see how the draft unfolds before revisiting Jack."
William Jackson III: A Veteran Presence For The Steelers Secondary In 2023?
When the Steelers traded for William Jackson III in November of 2022, many wondered what this would mean for the future of the Steelers' secondary. Interestingly enough, it ultimately did not mean much of anything as Jackson III failed to play a single game for the Steelers after being acquired from the Washington Commanders. He was subsequently released this offseason, saving the team over $12 million in cap space. While the Steelers have been heavily rumored to spend one of their first three picks on a cornerback during the 2023 NFL Draft, the team may still look to add Jackson III back in to the fold.
If Jackson III does indeed return to Pittsburgh, his deal would need to come in at a significantly lower price, and he would have to accept his role as a backup. The Steelers already have a solid starting duo in Levi Wallace and Patrick Peterson in addition to the player they decide to draft. If the two sides can agree on a fair price, Jackson III may be able to add valuable depth at such a critical position group. At 30 years old, his best years of football are behind him, but his strength and ability to play in man coverage still make him a decent option to serve as a rotational player.
Steelers.com
Steelers' William Jackson takes reps at practice.
Final Thoughts
While a reunion with either of these players would not be the most exciting move for Steelers' fans, it may serve as a perfect opportunity to fill in the holes the team failed to address in the 2023 NFL Draft. At the right price, both Jack and Jackson III would be welcome additions, especially considering their experiences as successful players in this league. Ultimately, we will have to wait and see how draft night unfolds to see if either of these players could be back with the team next season.
Alright, Steeler Nation. How would you feel about either of these players coming back to Pittsburgh? Would you have a preference for one over the other? What players are you most hoping the team adds during the 2023 NFL Draft? Let us know in the comments!
#SteelerNation
