It was an exhilarating first round of the 2023 NFL Draft for the Pittsburgh Steelers and several other teams. There were several trades, some shocking picks and overall, night one was full of surprises. One of, if not, the biggest needs for Head Coach Mike Tomlin's team heading into the evening was the offensive line. It ended up being clear that the organization had a plan to get a potential cornerstone left tackle after moving up three spots in the first round to select University of Georgia offensive lineman, Broderick Jones.
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
Heading into the second day of the draft, the needs still loom for Pittsburgh. The cornerback, linebacker and edge rusher positions could all be targeted in the second and third rounds, but the team also has an aging defensive line and could use some help in the trenches alongside Cameron Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi, specifically at tackle. Breiden Fehoko isn't likely to be the long-term answer.
Even though four defensive tackles were selected in the first round, there are still going to be plenty on the board in rounds two and three. The Steelers may not use the first pick in the second round on one, but it would be surprising if a defensive tackle doesn't hear his name called to Pittsburgh on Friday evening. Here are the top available.
1.) Keeanu Benton, University of Wisconsin
Benton had a private pre-draft visit with the team and is expected to be the next defensive tackle off the board. Pittsburgh could trade back from #32 in order to gain some capital and select Benton in the early to middle of the second or keep everything as is and hope the 6'4", 315-pound run-stuffer falls to them at #49. Either way, he should be at the top of their board as far as this position goes.
The University of Wisconsin defensive lineman, Keeanu Benton (#95) celebrates a big stop in Madison, Wisconsin at Camp Randall Stadium. | Photo Credit: David Stluka / uwbadgers.com
2.) Zacch Pickens, University of South Carolina
Why not take a guy with the last name Pickens in the second round in consecutive seasons? Pickens is another big body and had the length and strength at 6'4" to disrupt any team's offensive line. He is quick on the inside and has a natural ability to get in the backfield. Pickens is one of the more experienced players in the draft having played 43 games in college.
3.) Siaki Ika, University of Baylor
If you want a true, over-the-center Casey Hampton-like defensive tackle, look no further than Ika. He is 340 pounds and, like Benton, visited the Steelers privately during the pre-draft process. While he would certainly be a reach at the top of the second round, if the team is committed to stopping the run and beefing up the front seven, Ika at #49 could make perfect sense, but him being available at #80 would be a no-brainer.
4.) Gervon Dexter, University of Florida
Dexter was allegedly supposed to meet with Pittsburgh for a 'Top 30' visit, but it appears it never really occurred. Regardless, Dexter looks eye-to-eye with big offensive lineman and at 6'6", is a massive individual to have on the interior of your defensive line. He could very well be in play in round three and is a name to look out for.
University of Florida defensive lineman, Gervon Dexter (#9) celebrates after making a big play in college. | Photo Credit: Jordan McKendrick / University of Florida Athletics
Steelers Will Have Their Options On The Defensive Line
Overall, we can include the edge rushers in the defensive line discussion, but as far as big men in the middle go, these are the top guys still available. This is the perfect time to draft Heyward's heir and allow the young player, whoever it may be, to learn from one of the more respected players Pittsburgh has had in a long time.
Would you want any of these guys playing in the trenches for the Steelers in 2023? Let us know in the comments below!
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