The 2023 NFL Draft is almost here, which means it’s almost time to finally put all of the Pittsburgh Steelers draft rumors to bed. Everyone around the league has been speculating and submitting their two cents as to what specific position or player the team should select. If you were to ask 100 Steelers fans, I’m sure you’d get over a dozen different responses, but most likely one positional group would stand out above the rest.
Credit: Letterman Row
Paris Johnson had to step into the lineup in the Sugar Bowl
That group would be the offensive line, to which we’ve seen report after report that the team is doing as much homework as possible in this year’s class. This also includes the possibility of even trading up into the Top 10 picks to take this year’s top prospect at the position, Paris Johnson Jr.
What Would Be The Right Move For The Steelers?
However, as of right now, the popular name that has been surrounding the Steelers and their 17th overall pick is Tennessee offensive tackle, Darnell Wright. He has been skyrocketing up everyone’s draft boards in recent weeks, and the middle of the first round seems to be his sweet spot at the moment. On Tuesday afternoon, NFL analyst and NFL Draft expert Ryan Wilson appeared on 93.7 The Fan’s The PM Team with Poni & Mueller and this is what he had to say when he was asked about the team’s interest in Wright with the 17th pick.
“I’ve heard they really really really like Paris Johnson Jr and they would obviously have to trade up to get him from 17. He’s going Top 10 it feels like. I don’t know if I would take him that high, but I’m not running a football team so that doesn’t really matter.”
No that wasn’t a typo, Wilson tripled down on the word “really” to show just how much the Steelers like Johnson Jr and completely sidestepped the initial question regarding the Steelers and Wright. Wilson did go on to give Wright some credit however, explaining how the jump he took this past season with Tennessee was a massive one, and the hype surrounding him at the next level is there for a reason.
Andrew Ferguson / Tennessee Athletics
Steelers prospect, Tennessee offensive tackle Darnell Wight could be an option for the Steelers with the 17th overall pick in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft.
This quote should have Steelers fans that much more excited for Thursday night. Johnson Jr is everyone’s number one tackle prospect in this year’s draft. So if the team could really make a move to go and get him, it would be an amazing start to build what Steelers fans are dubbing the “Pickett Fence” to protect franchise quarterback Kenny Pickett as he heads into his sophomore season.
There needs to be a massive “Pickett’s Fence” sign at Acrisure Stadium moving forward.
— Jared Kane (@BaddestBearJew) April 25, 2023
Wilson not only confirmed these draft rumors, he even took it a step further to imply that there might be a good chance the team doubles down on the offensive line within the first three rounds of this week’s draft. This was Wilson’s response when he was asked by Andrew Fillipponi and Chris Mueller regarding Pittsburgh's chances of trading into the Top 10 for Johnson Jr to conclude the interview.
“I’m gonna say yes, and I’ve also heard they’re gonna try and get a couple of offensive lineman throughout Day 1 and Day 2. They have that 32nd pick to work with, and that could help them get there.”
Credit: Pittsburgh Steelers
I think it’s safe to say the team has made its top priority known heading into the draft, and that’s to protect the quarterback. In the first three rounds, the Steelers currently hold picks #17, #32, #49 and #80. To make a trade into the Top 10 actually happen, the team would most likely be giving up that 49th pick. However, to Wilson's point, the 32nd pick will be a hot commodity to kick off the second round. Head Coach Mike Tomlin and General Manager Omar Khan even hinted at this during Monday’s press conference.
"Man, we're excited about it!"
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) April 24, 2023
Coach Tomlin on having the 32nd pick ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/1amKRkUgte
There’s a very real possibility that if the team were to trade up in the first round on Thursday, it would be even more likely we see them move back from the 32nd pick to reacquire the draft capital they had to give up previously. Only time will tell. At the end of the day, no one really knows how the draft is going to fall until it finally gets underway. But one thing seems to be certain, the 'Pickett Fence' for 2023 will be one built for success, hopefully for years to come.
How do you feel about what Ryan Wilson had to say? Are there any other top prospects you want the team to consider? Be sure to leave a comment below and let us know!
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