Former Steelers General Manager Candidate Louis Riddick Noted That Pittsburgh Won't Win The AFC North Division In 2023

The Pittsburgh Steelers just had one of their best offseasons in the last 10 years. From acquiring the future Hall of Famer Patrick Peterson, to the young prospects of Broderick Jones and Joey Porter Jr., the Steelers have done all that they can to set themselves up for a successful 2023. But the mastermind behind all of this rebuilding is the team's General Manager, Omar Khan.

Khan started his time with the Steelers in 2001 as the team's football administration coordinator.  After years of working his way up the ladder, when the Steelers' former General Manager Kevin Colbert decided to retire, Khan was the perfect fit to replace him. In just his first year in the position, he has completely changed the team for the better. This is why he has rightfully been given the nickname of the "Khan Artist."

When the Steelers were deciding what to do when Colbert retired, they looked outside the organization as well. One of the guys they took a look at was former NFL safety and scout Louis Riddick. Riddick went to the University of Pittsburgh and had plenty of experience in scouting and pro personnel which made him feel like a decent fit for the team. But the Steelers ultimately decided to go within the organization with Khan.

As of now, Riddick works for ESPN as an analyst for Monday Night Football. Recently, he was on The Rich Eisen Show as well. While on there, he was asked about his outlook for the Steelers in 2023. He noted that he believes they won't win their division and that they will be in the Wild Card race.

"I think the Wild Card race for sure," Riddick claimed. "In Pittsburgh, I don't think they are going to win their division. As much as I love Mike [Tomlin] and you know I love Kenny [Pickett] and I think they are fantastically explosive on the outside at wide receiver. I think the running backs are solid and I really like Jaylen Warren as a number two. They're offensive line still scares me because it is still a work in progress. It has really been their Achilles heel over the past two to three seasons. It has been the issue they can't run the football; they can't protect."

The Revamp Of The Steelers Offensive Line

Although Riddick noted the Steelers offensive line as an Achilles Heel that may be further from the truth. The revamp of the Steelers' offensive line started in 2022 when they brought in guard James Daniels. Now at just 25, Daniels looks to be the future of the offensive line. The Steelers brought in some big names this offseason as well.

In free agency, they went ahead and signed Super Bowl Champion Isaac Seumalo to play on the other guard position opposite of Daniels. He brings a veteran leadership and should help solidify the interior of the Steelers line. They also drafted Broderick Jones with their first pick in the draft. Jones was believed to be one of the top three offensive linemen in the entire draft class. He should hopefully be the Steelers guy at the left tackle position for the next decade.

Although the Steelers went out and revamped their offensive line this offseason, will it be enough to get them back into Super Bowl contention? Most likely, the Steelers will be contenders in the 2024 playoffs. They probably have done enough to even win the always-tough AFC North division. No matter the case, they should at least be competitive in 2023.

So, what do you think Steeler Nation? Will the Steelers be Super Bowl contenders this year? Let me know in the comments below!

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