With the Pittsburgh Steelers' two second-round picks on Friday, the front office has plenty of options. For now, they possess the first pick (32nd overall) on the day, along with the 18th (49th overall). It seems likely that they will trade their 32nd overall selection to move back, but they would seemingly recoup a second-rounder. There are a ton of good players left after a thrilling Day 1 filled with a few surprises.
Trevor Ruszkowski / USA Today
Steelers general manager Omar Khan speaks to members of the media at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, IN.
It'll be an important day for the black and gold, as General Manager Omar Khan and the front office will be quite busy. With two top-18 picks to start the day, they'll be bringing in a few difference-makers. With that, here are the best remaining players in the 2023 NFL Draft.
1. Alabama Safety Brian Branch
His versatility and success in the SEC make for an interesting case with the 32nd pick, if the Steelers stay put.
2. Penn State Cornerback Joey Porter Jr.
He was a possible pick at 17, so he's definitely in play at 32. Like Branch, it depends on what Pittsburgh does with the pick to open Day 2.
3. Florida Offensive Lineman O'Cyrus Torrence
Unfortunately, the Steelers aren't in the market for an interior offensive lineman, otherwise, this would be a great selection.
Florida Gators / Jay Metz
Florida lineman O'Cyrus Torrence could've been a great pick for the Steelers if they still needed an interior lineman.
4. Kentucky Quarterback Will Levis
Surprisingly, Levis wasn't selected in the opening round, but several teams are trying to trade up to 32 to pick him. The Las Vegas Raiders and Tennessee Titans are the two teams that make the most sense.
5. Notre Dame Tight End Michael Mayer
Another surprise that didn't go on Day 1, as he's arguably the best tight end in this year's class.
6. North Carolina Wide Receiver Josh Downs
Had the Steelers not traded for Allen Robinson, this would be a legitimate option at 32. Pittsburgh scouts called Downs' workout one of the "cleanest" they had ever seen due to his quickness and route-running.
7. Georgia Tight End Darnell Washington
The only tight end that the Steelers used on one of their 30 pre-draft visits. He could be an option at 49 if he falls there, as his size and athleticism lead to untapped potential.
Getty Images
University of Georgia tight end Darnell Washington is one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft.
8. Minnesota Center John Michael Schmitz
Many didn't think the Steelers would be in the market for a center, but the team reportedly loves Schmitz. Keep your eye on this one in the second round.
9. South Carolina Cornerback Cam Smith
Of the top cornerbacks remaining, he's the one that's been least connected to the black and gold. With that, he would bring an element of playmaking that the Steelers could always use.
10. Clemson Linebacker Trenton Simpson
He's a bit of a tweener, which is likely part of the reason for him still being available. The Steelers had a dinner meeting with him, and he could be a chess piece for Teryl Austin's defense.
John Byrum / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Clemson's Trenton Simpson would be a nice piece to add to the Steelers' defense.
11. TCU Offensive Lineman Steve Avila
Another lineman to keep an eye on, as he could possibly play center.
12. Ohio State Offensive Tackle Dawand Jones
No need for a tackle after Thursday, and the Ohio State lineman seemed to "upset" the Steelers in the pre-draft process.
13. Georgia Cornerback Kelee Ringo
The connection between the Steelers and Ringo has been heating up over the last month, so he seems like a realistic option in the second round.
14. Texas A&M Safety Antonio Johnson
The Steelers have selected a defender from Texas A&M in the past two drafts in the form of Buddy Johnson and DeMarvin Leal. In a position of need, Johnson could make some sense in the middle-to-late second round.
Texas A&M Athletics / 12thman.com
Texas A&M safety Antonio Johnson is one of the best defensive backs remaining.
15. Georgia Tech EDGE Keion White
Pittsburgh met with him in the pre-draft process, and a third edge rusher is still a huge need.
Other Names To Consider For Steelers
Others to watch: Drew Sanders, Derick Hall, Tuli Tuipulotu and Gervon Dexter Sr.
Who do you want to see the Steelers take in the second round? Do you think they should (or will) trade back with the 32nd overall pick? Should they go with the best player available or prioritize the biggest needs? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
#SteelerNation
