The Steelers Should Pass Over These Unnecessary And Baggage-Heavy Areas In The 2023 Draft

With just over two weeks left before the opening night of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers are making their final efforts in their pre-draft preparations. We’ve seen the Steelers’ brass featuring General Manager Omar Khan, Assistant General Manager Andy Weidl, and Head Coach Mike Tomlin make their rounds to various college Pro Days. 

In Pittsburgh, we’ve seen a plethora of prospective draft picks visit the facility and meet with the team. In what is shaping to be another critical draft to get the team over the playoff hump, the Steelers need to be diligent in their analysis and we’re seeing they’re not leaving any stone unturned. So, after the NFL Combine, the Pro Day circuit, and nearing the end of prospect meetings, who has a good chance of getting called with the 17th, 32nd, or 49th overall selections? Who has fallen out of favor?

In light of this Holiday weekend, let’s take a look at how the draft is shaping up for the Steelers in two parts. In this list, let's take a look at who the Steelers should ‘pass over’ in this year’s draft.

Who should the Steelers pass over?

Any Interior Offensive Lineman

Before free agency, restructuring the offensive line was a priority for Khan and Weidl. But after the free agency signings of Nate Herbig and Isaac Seumalo, the Steelers are heading into the draft with higher needs than the inside of the offensive line. Not to mention, the Steelers seem comfortable with their offensive tackles and have voiced that sentiment throughout the offseason. Further, they added Le’Raven Clark as a swing-tackle depth piece to add a protective layer to the talent pool. While I’m not saying they won’t draft any offensive lineman in the entire draft, the need has fallen outside of the ‘first three picks’ conversation.  

If we look at the prospecting meetings the Steelers have on the docket, there are only seven offensive linemen listed of the 25 total meetings booked. If we dive deeper into those names and when they’d be available, only one could arguably be considered as a late first-round to early second-round selection in Anton Harrison. Outside of him, the names seem to fall closer to rounds three and four. Meanwhile, the Steelers are hosting meetings with other Top 40 names in other positions.

Any Inside Linebackers

The Steelers’ inside linebacker tandem of Devin Bush and Myles Jack arguably fell short of expectations in 2022. This led to both players’ contracts expiring. In turn, the Steelers went out to the free agency market and added Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts as the presumed starters for 2023. In addition, Keanu Neal was welcomed by Pittsburgh earlier this month to help round out the middle of the defense. Behind him, there is the thumping linebacker in Mark Robinson. The Steelers seem set at the inside linebacker position.

It is also noteworthy that the Steelers currently don’t have any linebackers in the queue for meetings leading up to the draft. They Steelers have a reputation of showing their hand early in their strategy for their draft approach, so if their meeting list is any indication of that, we can leave inside linebackers off their radar for the first two days. There are clearly more pressing needs with the first four picks outside of the middle of the defense.

Jalen Carter, Defensive Tackle

This may not be a popular take amongst Steelers fans, but it is the reality. Jalen Carter started off hot in the pre-draft period coming off a stellar 2022 championship-winning season at Georgia. Heading into the combine, he was ready to showcase his value to scouts and coaches and state his case as to why he should be a top five selection. Once the news broke of a warrant being issued for his arrest stemming from his involvement in a fatal car crash in January, the hype was put on hold. While he was able to re-join the combine after turning himself in to police, his draft stock took a significant hit.

If we fast forward to his Pro Day which gave him a second chance to show off his skillset for coaches, he showed up nine pounds heavier than he was at the combine. In addition, he was unable to finish his workout. Right around the time of the Pro Day, Carter learned he was going to be put on a year-long probation along with fines and community service hours. In an effort to regain the hype he lost in the past month, Carter’s agent Drew Rosenhaus announced Carter wouldn’t be meeting with teams who aren’t in the top ten, unless they plan on trading up. Considering the baggage that Carter brings mixed with the fact the Steelers won’t be able to meet with him, there is no reason as to why he should be listed on the Pittsburgh draft board at this stage. He may be talented, but all signs are pointing to Carter being the bust of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Jordan Addison, Wide Receiver

This may come as a disappointment to a lot of fans, but the collegiate connection of Kenny Pickett and Jordan Addison may remain something in the past. Although the Steelers need another playmaker on offense, they don’t seem interested in Addison’s services. Even though Addison stated his claim to the Steelers to “come get me”, Tomlin, Khan, and company are seemingly going in a different direction.

Addison’s 2021 season with Pickett was a historic one. Not only did he post incredible numbers, Addison was recognized as the best receiver in the country and was awarded the Biletnikoff Award. But after that, Addison seemed to somewhat regress. He transferred to the University of Southern California where he posted modest numbers, but ended his season early after injuring his ankle. After rehabbing his ankle and arriving at the combine, Addison had to cut his workout short when he strained his back. Tomlin and Khan opted out of attending his Pro Day in favor of making the trip to Iowa State. It is safe to say at this point, Addison’s return to Pittsburgh is not happening.

Who do you think the Steelers should pass over in the draft? Do you agree with this list? Let us know in the comments below!

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