There has been recent speculation surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers and a potential trade up in the 2023 NFL Draft. The team currently holds the #17 overall pick in the first round, but could possibly look to move up for the first time since the disastrous pick in 2019 that was Devin Bush.
General manager, Omar Khan was not in charge four years ago, but will be at the head of the front office during the draft for the first time ever. While many think an offensive lineman could be the target if it were to happen, the team should only be eyeing up on particular prospect.
Steelers general manager, Omar Khan. | Maya Giron / Post-Gazette
Former general manager, Kevin Colbert was one of the league's best for decades, but significantly failed in one specific area. He had no clue what he was doing when it came to drafting the cornerback position. There are countless draft busts and if it weren't for a couple free agent signings over the years, the position would have been an all out failure.
The 2023 draft class is one of the deepest it has been in years in regards to cornerbacks. So it's understandable that fans wouldn't want to reach for one, especially given the recent history. That doesn't mean, however, the organization should sit back and hope one falls to them in the second round.
The secondary is still in need of help and without a true long-term solution on the current roster, it'd be wise to go after one of the most dynamic and playmaking corners in the draft. It could very well mean trading up for him, but Khan would be making the right move in doing so if the opportunity presents itself.
University of Oregon cornerback, Christian Gonzalez could be targeted by the Steelers in the 2023 NFL Draft. | Photo Credit: Dustin Bradford / Getty Images
If A Trade Up Is On The Table, The Steelers Need To Go After Christian Gonzalez
Gonzalez had a standout season for the University of Oregon. He had 50 total tackles, seven passes defended, four interceptions and one tackle for loss. At 6'2" and 200 pounds, he is an ideal size to matchup with bigger and stronger wide receivers at the NFL level. He recently arrived in Pittsburgh for a 'Top 30' pre-draft visit.
Gonzalez has been mocked in the top 10 several times and it's very possible he goes to the Detroit Lions at #6 overall, but if he doesn't, it absolutely makes sense to go up and get him if the plan is indeed to move up to get a big-name prospect. Gonzalez would come in and start right away based on how the current, rocky cornerback situation lines up for the Steelers.
Patrick Peterson was signed to a two-year deal and an individual with as much of an upside as Gonzalez would benefit immensely from playing alongside him for the first two seasons of his professional career. This is the top need for the Steelers, especially based on how the future of the position after the next two years is a complete mystery.
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Patrick Peterson (#7) cheers during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. Photo Credit: AP Photo / Rick Scuteri
After the way the offensive line finished the 2022 season, taking a big man with the 32nd overall pick is more than reasonable. Unless the organization sees Paris Johnson Jr., Peter Skoronski, Darnell Wright or Broderick Jones as a legitimate franchise-altering player, it only makes sense to make a big move up to snag Gonzalez.
Do you think that Gonzalez should be the top priority for the Steelers if trading up to select a top prospect is on the table? Let us know in the comments below!
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