The Pittsburgh Steelers are in full preparation mode as the 2023 NFL Draft is officially a week away. The team currently holds four picks in the top 80 including two in the first 32 selections. Trades up or down are certainly possible, but it shapes up nicely for the organization as of now. After a very strong offseason addressing both sides of the ball, there is still room to improve in several areas. The team hasn't been shy in their favorite positions they are looking to address based on the amount of offensive linemen and cornerbacks that came in for a Top 30 visit.
Steelers general manager, Omar Khan speaks to members of the media at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, IN. | Photo Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski / USA Today
It would be pretty surprising if the front office decides to select anything other than a lineman (on either side of the ball) or cornerback with the 17th overall pick. After addressing the wide receiver position in a trade to acquire veteran, Allen Robinson, the theorists claiming that's the way Pittsburgh will go are sure to be wrong.
Every year in the draft, certain players that are expected to go in the Top 10 end up falling out and into the teens and sometimes even further. The Steelers would strongly benefit from a few guys dropping and if one of the following first round hopefuls slips and happens to be there at 17, Pittsburgh will be in great shape.
1.) Paris Johnson Jr.
It's likely that General Manager, Omar Khan would have to continue his busy and aggressive offseason by trading up in the first round to grab Johnson. The Houston Texans could be a good target if Johnson falls and Pittsburgh wants to get ahead of the New York Jets. It would be an absolute dream if the left tackle ends up falling to 17 and there's simply no way the Steelers could pass him up.
Ohio State offensive tackle, Paris Johnson Jr. blocks during a 2022 regular season game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Ohio Stadium. | Photo Credit: Joe Robbins / Icon Sportswire / Getty Images
2.) Christian Gonzalez or Devon Witherspoon
As deep as this draft class is at cornerback, why wait to draft one late if one of the top two is still on the board in the middle of the first round. Both guys are 6'0" or taller and project to be lockdown-level corners at the professional level. They both could end up going in the top 10, but if either takes a deep dive then Pittsburgh couldn't pass on one of them.
Steelers fans are cautiously optimistic when it comes to the cornerback position as it has been a rough couple of decades when drafting this position. Khan has already proven he is beating to his own drum though and the addition of Andy Weidl in the front office is reason to believe the duo could nail it this year.
3.) Jalen Carter
Rumors have been swirling about where the big defensive tackle might end up. He has had some legal troubles during the pre-draft process and wasn't exactly impressive at his pro day. He still is arguably the most talented player in the draft. He could go in the top 5, but there's undoubtedly a possibility he drops significantly. The Steelers need youth here and Head Coach, Mike Tomlin may be the perfect guy for Carter.
University of Georgia defensive lineman, Jalen Carter (#88) sits on the sidelines during a college football game. | Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas / USA TODAY Sports
Steelers Would Benefit From Any Of The Above Players Dropping
There's no doubt that the positions of these guys are the biggest needs for Pittsburgh right now. It would almost seem impossible to not select one of them if any end up falling to 17. The key may be quarterback, Hendon Hooker. If a team reaches for him early, it could open the window for one of these potential studs to sneak their way into the black and gold.
Which of the players mentioned would you want to drop to #17 the most? Let us know in the comments below!
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