The Pittsburgh Steelers do not have a clear-cut need heading into the 2023 NFL Draft. There are some who would say we clearly need to focus on defense, especially cornerback. There are others who still feel we need to continue to build that offensive line and draft a tackle. And there are others that point to other positions where new depth would help. One of those positions is wide receiver.
Steelers.com
Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker, Terrance Garvin.
Two former players are weighing in with their thoughts on what the Steelers should do. On his podcast, The Arthur Moats Experience, former Pittsburgh linebackers, Arthur Moats and his guest Terence Garvin give their two cents. While Garvin starts out a bit predictable for pick 17, he ends the conversation about as unpredictable as you can get.
Does This Offseason Change Your Mind About Who We Should Draft First?
Moats mentions that the last time they talked, things looked much different.
"Last time we talked to you, everything was pointing towards Brian Branch for some, safety because Edmunds was gone and we didn't have Keanu Neal at the time. Now that we have Keanu Neal and now that we brought in a true nose tackle in Breiden Fehoko, where do you think the team goes in terms of draft positioning? Does it still go the best player available or is there a specific thing we are going to target now?"
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Steelers potential first-round draft pick, Joey Porter Jr.
Garvin said that regardless of the offseason acquisitions, he feels like the team should still focus on defense. Moats jokes that you can't get the defenders to stop picking more defense. Garvin stands his ground saying that is still the biggest need and he expected Joey Porter Jr. to still be available.
"I think they're gonna go defense in the first round, I really do. JPJ is gonna be a Steeler and I don't think it's gonna take long to pick."
Porter Jr. is a cornerback out of Pennsylvania State University. He also happens to be the son of another former Steelers linebacker, Joey Porter Sr. While Moats and Garvin did not play at the same time as the senior Porter, they did have the privilege of playing while he coached the Steelers. Porter Sr. was a defensive coach from 2014-2018.
Former Steelers LB Has A Surprise For Round 2
Garvin was then asked what does he think should be done with the following two picks, 32 and 49, both in the second round and this is when things got crazy.
"For 32, tackle. For 49, either linebacker or d-line or..."
Garvin absolutely might be seeing into the future with this next comment.
"You know who I love?" Asks Garvin, "I love Tank."
He is referring to Nathaniel "Tank" Dell out of the University of Houston. Dell may be on the smaller side, but he has a huge story. The kind of story that makes yinzers swoon.
The receiver was a high school standout, but his size (5'8" and 165 lbs) prevented any of the bigger schools from taking a chance on him. That only put a chip on Dell's shoulder and made him more motivated than ever. He went to Independence Community College, which was featured on the Netflix hit show, Last Chance U. He performed well enough that Houston took notice and he was able to transfer.
This may look fairly basic, but it's reps like this that make me so high on Tank Dell
— Mike Renner (@PFF_Mike) March 31, 2023
He goes from full acceleration selling the vertical in the drive phase of the route to turned around 180 degrees and available for the ball in under 2 yards.
That's not normal! pic.twitter.com/7zwZ8RFO28
He was the Cougars' top receiver in 2022 with 109 catches for 1,398 yards and 17 touchdowns. In fact, that was enough that Dell led the nation for receiving yards in 2022.
Dell is projected to be drafted in the third round, so taking him at 49 depending on how the rest of the picks are going would not be outrageous. His draft stock appears to be on the rise, so it might be a stretch to think he will still be there in the late third round.
An exciting young player who could be the Steelers' next diamond in the rough. After all, Pittsburgh is well known as "Wide Receiver U," finding these later-round receivers and developing them into stars before letting them move on when they want huge contracts. Wash, rinse, repeat.
Dell is applauded for making the most out of every down he plays on the field. He is fast, running a 4.49 40-yard dash at the combine. He is also agile, displaying solid footwork and short bursts of speed. He has a nose for the ball and is able to dance along the sideline, reminiscent of George Pickens. Unlike Pickens though, he needs to improve his contested catches.
Leslie Plaza Johnson
Houston's Nathaniel "Tank" Dell has seen his draft stock soar this past year as he led the nation in college receiving yards.
He has also proven to be a force on special teams, frequently returning punts for touchdowns. With the Steelers letting Steven Sims go, Dell fits into the space he vacated nicely. It should solve any worries initially about ego among the receivers since no one will be expecting Dell to be WR1 Week 1.
Dell also appears to have the kind of attitude that fits nicely in the Steel City. He calls himself a natural-born leader and says he focuses on setting a good example for his teammates. He was a team captain at Houston after only being there for two years. He is known for his work ethic as much as for his amazing hands.
What do you think about the Steelers taking Dell? Do you think Garvin could be on to something? Click to comment below.
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