The pick is in and the Pittsburgh Steelers have selected the offensive tackle that they hope will be their answer for many years to come in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Broderick Jones out of the University of Georgia will be set to take over the left tackle position heading into Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season. The Steelers had to make a last-minute trade with the New England Patriots to move from pick #17 up to #14 in order to get Jones, as speculation was building that the New York Jets were likely in the market for an offensive tackle as well. Some say Jones might be the most athletic offensive lineman in this year's draft, which is very important since he will be protecting the blind side of second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett.
Former Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman, Broderick Jones (#59) blocks in pass protection during the 2022 College Football Playoff. | Photo Credit: Jordon Kelly / Icon Sportswire / Getty Images
As we look ahead to the next couple of days of the draft, the Steelers currently hold three picks on Day 2 and two picks on Day 3. With the Steelers trading up to pick 14, they had to give up pick 120 in the fourth-round to the Patriots which leaves them with a significant gap between picks 80 and 241. I would expect the Steelers to make yet another move to try and add draft capital between rounds four through six. With the Steelers having a surplus of starting-caliber offensive linemen specifically the guard position, I would expect them to make a move dealing one away to add another pick for early in Day 3.
Kevin Dotson is one player the Steelers could use as trade bait to get back into the mix early on Day 3. Dotson has spent three seasons with the Steelers and started all 17 games in 2022. While his reliability was one of his strengths last season along with his solid PFF pass-blocking grade of 77.6, he struggled in multiple areas. Dotson finished the season with 12 penalties which tied him for second in the NFL. He also gave up four sacks which was tied for 14th in the league.
-544x306.jpg "Pittsburgh Steelers OG Kevin Dotson")
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Pittsburgh Steelers OG Kevin Dotson started in 2022, what will happen to him with the new additions? Could they possibly obtain a day three pick for him in return?
With the offseason acquisitions of Isaac Seaumalo and Nate Herbig, the Steelers likely have both of their starting guards already on their roster and they will be able to use Dotson as prime trade bait for a team desperate for an experienced offensive guard or looking for someone to add valuable depth to their roster. With Dotson's experience, I believe he could bring the Steelers a fifth-round pick in return.
What Would The Steelers Look To Add With A Fifth-Round Pick?
The Steelers via the draft and free agency have gotten their starting spots filled across their offensive line and now will look to add depth. Most notably the center position is one where I would like to see the Steelers add to. Mason Cole filled in nicely after coming over to the Steelers during the 2022 offseason, but he will not be the long-term answer when you look at the grand scheme of things. The likelihood of the Steelers finding their next long-term answer at center in the fifth-round is unlikely, but with an additional pick, they could get it if they were to deal Dotson away. It would be the perfect opportunity to take a chance at one with very little risk involved.
What do you think? Should the Steelers consider trading Dotson away in order to obtain another pick for the third day of the draft? If not, what would you like to see the Steelers do with him? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below!
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