Just ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft, discussion remains on which is the biggest need for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The front office did a phenomenal job in free agency, eliminating a few key needs. That should allow them to be able to adapt a best player available approach, at least across a few positions. Many view offensive tackle as the biggest remaining need, particularly at left tackle where Dan Moore Jr. failed to take a step forward in 2022.
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Steelers left tackle Dan Moore Jr. is in jeopardy of losing his job, but former teammate Ben Roethlisberger thinks he will improve in 2023.
Well, former quarterback Ben Roethlisberger doesn't agree with that sentiment. In fact, he backed his former teammate in the latest episode of his podcast, Footbahlin'. He thinks the team should stick with Moore at left tackle, viewing him as a long-term option. Furthermore, with fellow former Steeler Ryan Shazier alongside him, Roethlisberger said the team should address the cornerback position with the 17th pick.
"I think corner is a potential one [need]. Obviously Joey Porter Jr., I think that's the one that everyone anticipates coming there. I think Joey, in my opinion, is the most plug and play ready [cornerback]. The Steelers like to play man, and I think he's got the potential to do that. He's long, he's physical, he can press."
With Witherspoon and Gonzalez seemingly gone at 17, Deonte Banks and Porter are the most likely selections if the Steelers are to go cornerback. Most mock drafts have been between a corner and offensive tackle, presumably seen as the top two needs. Shazier followed up Roethlisberger's comment by saying that he thinks Porter will indeed end up being the pick at 17.
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Former Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger thinks CB Joey Porter Jr. is the most pro-ready cornerback in this year's draft class.
Now if one of the top two guys were to somehow fall to Pittsburgh, Shazier and Roethlisberger think they would take one of them over Porter. A lot of this all depends on who falls to the 17th overall pick of course, if they even stay put with that selection. One of the offensive tackles could fall to them, which would make things even more difficult.
The former quarterback views defensive line as another huge need, potentially using a pick in the second round on a lineman.
Would drafting Porter be the right decision for Steelers?
In an AFC where the quarterbacks are elite all over, getting a young, elite cornerback to counter that seems like a wise option. At some point, these defenses seemingly will catch up to the offenses, right? If the Steelers were to select Porter on Thursday, it would not come as a shock to anyone. Fortunately for everyone, we're hours away from finding out who will end up in black and gold.
What are your thoughts on Roethlisberger's defense of Moore? Do you agree that cornerback should be viewed as the biggest need? Do you agree with his order of cornerbacks? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, yinz!
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