The 2023 NFL Draft is only a couple of weeks away and there are still mock drafts being made in regards to the Pittsburgh Steelers and what their decision will be with the 17th overall pick. In two separate drafts that have been reported recently, one draft analyst believes the Steelers will pick someone who plays on the offensive side of the ball, while a second analyst believes the Steelers are going to address the opposite side and go defense in the first round.
Steelers general manager, Omar Khan speaks to the media at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, IN. | Photo Credit: Michael Conroy / AP Photo
Would Steelers Be Wise To Take Wide Receiver In First Round?
Over the years, the Steelers have had a great deal of success when it comes to drafting wide receivers; however, most of these picks have happened in the second round or later. The most recent example is landing former University of Georgia product George Pickens. With Pickens’s presence combined with Diontae Johnson and the return of Calvin Austin III after he missed the entire 2023 season, Pittsburgh should be in a great spot at the receiver position, right? But according to ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr, the Steelers should look to add another wideout, specifically Zay Flowers out of Boston College.
Bob DeChiara / USA TODAY Sports
“This is around where we could see a run on receivers,” Kiper said. “Flowers is actually my top-ranked wideout. I love his explosion and ability after the catch. Pittsburgh's wideouts had just five touchdown receptions last season, which ranked last in the league. The 5’ 9” Flowers is a dynamo out of the slot, but he had plenty of grabs lined up outside too. He could be a nice fit with Diontae Johnson and George Pickens. Quarterback Kenny Pickett had a special connection with former Pitt teammate Jordan Addison, but I think Flowers would be the better pick for the Steelers.”
Kiper seems to be the only outlier when it comes to the Steelers and mock drafts as the overwhelming consensus is that Pittsburgh’s needs on offense are more along the offensive line, and that a wide receiver is nowhere near the top of the list of necessities.
Personally, I’m in agreement with the majority in that the Steelers don’t need to draft a wide receiver in the first round, but rather stick to the status quo. Pittsburgh will find another solid option at wide receiver in the second round or later and watch that player blossom into a star.
Steelers Continue To Explore Defensive Options
On the defensive side of the ball, the Steelers have a lot of talent already, but could use some depth at key positions, including the defensive line. We all know what a beast defensive tackle Cam Heyward is, but unfortunately father time will catch up to him, and he won’t be as productive. One possibility that the Steelers could look at is selecting defensive lineman Bryan Bresee out of Clemson University.
Gerald Herbert - AP
In a mock draft by Eddie Brown of the San Diego Union-Tribune, Bresee has the potential to be a powerful addition to any team’s defense.
“Bresee was the Number 1 overall recruit in the 2020 recruiting class. He showed flashes of dominance as a true freshman in 2020, but only played 152 snaps in 2021 before tearing his ACL. Bresee was limited to ten games and just 330 snaps this past year by a 'non-football medical issue' and an off-the-field tragedy. His performance in Indy — he produced a 4.86-second 40-yard dash — and continued health will go a long way in cementing him as the second defensive tackle taken off of the board, likely behind Georgia’s (Jalen) Carter.”
Depending on the circumstances, the Steelers may not need to trade up to draft Bresee. If things play out well, Pittsburgh could bring in a future defensive cornerstone who will be able to learn and grow under the tutelage of Cam Heyward and be ready to inevitability fill Heyward’s shoes once he decides to hang them up. Bresee may have some concerning factors regarding his long-term play time, but if he’s available, he should be someone the Steelers would love to welcome into the fold.
What do you think of both Flowers and Bresee? Would you want to see them in the black and gold in 2023? Be sure to let us know in the comment section and on social media.
#SteelerNation
