The first three months of 2023 have already flown by and the Pittsburgh Steelers offseason is in full swing. General manager, Omar Khan has been extremely aggressive and has modestly opened up the check book in order to take care of significant needs in free agency. While less significant additions that remain on the open market are very possible, the draft is only weeks away.
Steelers general manager, Omar Khan. | Maya Giron / Post-Gazette
After bringing in more personnel that way, the offseason will begin to wind down and organized team activities will ramp up. Here are three things the Easter Bunny could drop off to the team's facilities to do its part to help Pittsburgh.
1.) A Crystal Ball Predicting The Best Cornerback In The 2023 Draft
This is one of the draft's deepest cornerback classes in years. That's a good thing for the Steelers given a need for someone to step in right away and make strong contributions. The toughest part about this is the franchise's recent history taking players at the position. It has not been pretty for almost the entire 21st century.
It's no secret that the team is going to draft one or maybe even two cornerbacks. Deonte Banks, Julius Brents, Joey Porter Jr., Tyrqiue Stevenson, Emmanuel Forbes and Kelee Ringo have all had or plan to have a pre-draft visit with Pittsburgh. History tells us one of these guys will be targeted and making the wrong decision would be catastrophic for the defense.
This is not the year to miss on a cornerback. Not all of these guys are going to turn into an All-Pro, but that's exactly what the Steelers need after years of inconsistency at the position. If only Khan could see the future and knew exactly which guys was going to turn into a stud in the secondary.
Former Mississippi State cornerback, Emmanuel Forbes (#13). | Photo Credit: Justin Ford / Getty Images
2.) Andy Reid's Playbook For Matt Canada To Study (If He Can Understand It)
Pittsburgh's offensive coordinator and his play-calling have been underwhelming during Canada's first two seasons on the job. One can make the excuse that he dealt with an aging Ben Roethlisberger and rookie in Kenny Pickett, but the run-run-pass sequences have not ceased and offense barely averaged 18 points per game in 2022.
Meanwhile, the reigning Super Bowl Champions have one of the greatest offensive minds of this generation on the sidelines. The Kansas City Chiefs have used a wonderful approach and dominated opposing defenses ever since Patrick Mahomes became the quarterback. Andy Reid has so many tricks up his sleeve.
No one needs to compare Pickett to Mahomes, that wouldn't be reasonable, but it would be nice if Canada could take a little peak and get some fresh ideas from the man who leads the league's best offense. Canada's job is on the line in 2023. He could use some help becoming more innovative. The offense can't sputter again in 2022.
Steelers quarterback, Kenny Pickett makes a throw on the run during 2022 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
3.) A Perfect Contract Draw Up For Steelers' Alex Highsmith
TJ Watt is going to be in the black and gold for a long time and his partner in crime should be too. Highsmith had a career-high, 14.5 sacks in 2022. One can argue he isn't his best football self with Watt out of the lineup, but he is certainly worth a significant amount of money if it means keeping the duo together.
Watt and Highsmith have combined for 48.5 sacks the last two seasons and are a crew to be reckoned with if they can be kept on the same team for the next several years. The key in an extension for Highsmith will be recognizing his value while also keeping it as cost efficient as possible. Maybe the Easter Bunny has a little insight and drop off the exact contract he is looking for.
Are these the best things for the Easter Bunny to drop off on Art Rooney Ave.? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
