ESPN Insider Reports Steelers Won't Allow Georgia Star Nolan Smith To Fall Past #17

Only one day out from the draft, speculation is still running wild on which direction the Pittsburgh Steelers will go in. Mike Tomlin himself said that the team doesn't have any "glaring needs," which makes it all the more challenging to predict who the Steelers will target on the first day of the NFL Draft. While it's been revealed that the Steelers are in talks with the Chicago Bears about trading into the top 10 in hopes of acquiring a stud offensive tackle, others think General Manager Omar Khan and company will opt to stay at pick 17, as many promising options will still be on the board. 

Tuesday, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler revealed a new take on 93.7 The Fan. 

"Nolan Smith, pass rusher out of Georgia, that's another player I'm watching. Teams that I talked to say he won't get past 17. That's their expectation, so that would imply that Pittsburgh could have some interest there too."

Smith has flown under the radar in most mock drafts and projections when it comes to landing in Pittsburgh with the heavy favorites being Joey Porter Jr, Darnell Wright and Broderick Jones. Although it initially doesn't make much sense to use a first round pick on Smith while having a star-studded linebacker room consisting of TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith, it might not be as bad of a move as you think.

Watts the Backup Plan?

With former defensive player of the year Watt sidelined by injury for the majority of the 2022 season, the Steelers were absolutely exposed at the linebacker position. While yes, losing Watt for the Steelers seems to equate to automatic losses, there was simply no backup plan able to work effectively in his absence. Highsmith took full advantage of the opportunity and put together a breakout season full of career highs, but the other side wasn't able to have as much success with Malik Reed filling in. With Reed moving on to the Miami Dolphins this offseason, and the heartbreaking reality that Bud Dupree is with the Atlanta Falcons, the Steelers will need to make an addition to the LB room at some point or another. 

With Highsmith emerging as a star this past season and his rookie contract quickly approaching its end, it's never too early to start planning ahead. Although it would be ideal to keep Highsmith on board, he will inevitably be expensive especially if his success continues during the 2023 season. With the chance that the Steelers may not be able to afford him, it may make sense to jump on a talented linebacker while they have the chance. 

Could Smith Be The Guy For The Job?

Smith, the 6'2", 238-pound pass rusher out of the University of Georgia, has built a reputation as a game-changer in the college football world. He's had significant success with disrupting plays as a pass rusher, becoming one of the most intriguing linebackers in the 2023 NFL Draft. Smith confirmed that he has drawn heavy interest from both the Bears and the Philadelphia Eagles. Though it's likely that he will be picked up earlier in the draft, there's not much downside to the Steelers making the move if he remains on the board at 17.

The Steelers have every reason to prioritize adding a talented offensive lineman or cornerback on board, but don't be shocked if Smith somehow makes it on the roster by the end of Day 1 of the NFL Draft. What are your thoughts, Steeler Nation? Are you completely opposed to using a first rounder on a linebacker? Stay in the loop with all the latest on the 2023 Draft here at SteelerNation.com.

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