The 2023 NFL Draft is here, beginning Thursday, April 27 at 8 p.m., and once again it provides all 32 NFL teams with hope and promise of success in the upcoming season.
If these teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, can draft well and pick the right players for not only their immediate needs but to build around in the future, they will reap the benefits. Should they fail, well, it could set the team back for years.
Heading into this year’s draft, I believe the Steelers have a few areas of need but fortunately nothing so overtly glaring that they have to panic and over draft on any particular position.
The needs that I see are cornerback, offensive line, outside and potentially inside linebacker, safety and possibly a third quarterback.
You’ll hear some folks tell you the team needs a wide receiver and a tight end. I completely disagree. When the team added Allen Robinson, they eliminated the need for wide receiver and with Pat Friermuth as the top tight end, they don’t need to draft a stud there. I don’t know why, but people continue to forget about Connor Heyward at that position. He proved he can play, they don’t need to waste a pick on a tight end at all.
Here’s how I see the Steelers seven rounds playing out based on my most recent simulation.
Round 1, Pick 17—CB Deonte Banks, Maryland—Banks fills what is probably the Steelers’ biggest need and can start from day one if needed. He’s an experienced starter with size and athleticism that will help in coverage and in the run game if necessary. With guys like Ja’Marr Chase in the division, this is a necessary pick.
Round 2, Pick 32—DT Bryan Bresee, Clemson —The Steelers need to build their trenches and Bresee is too good to pass up. He’ll add size and run-stopping ability in the middle of an already stout defense. I love this pick here if the team has the opportunity to make it.
Round 2, Pick 49— EDGE Keion White, Georgia Tech—White adds much needed depth to a thin OLB group. He can learn from T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith while getting decent playing time as a rookie. If he develops, he could even replace Highsmith if the team can’t afford to keep him.
Round 3, Pick 80—OT Blake Freeland, BYU—I don’t love waiting until round three to pick an offensive lineman but the way this draft has simulated, that’s the best I could do. Freeland is a big, strong kid who can step in and play right away. He’ll help protect Kenny Pickett and open up the run for Najee Harris. A solid third round selection.
Round 4, Pick 120—LB Henry To’o To’o, Alabama—The Steelers love their Power 5 players and that’s exactly what To’o To’o is. An experienced starter out of Alabama, he has the pedigree and fire to be a good depth guy in year one and step in as a starter in year two. I think this would be a steal if they can pull this off in round four.
Round 5 – NO PICK
Round 6 – NO PICK
Round 7, Pick 241— WR Jason Brownlee Jr, Southern Miss—While I certainly don’t think the team needs a wide receiver, many folks do believe the team will take one and the Steelers have proven over the years that they love drafting wideouts. In the seventh round, I can see that happening as a depth move.
Round 7, Pick 251—QB Tim DeMorat, Fordham— DeMorat could be a good number three QB. It’s also possible he’s released after camp but worth bringing in.
The Steelers are on the cusp of becoming a formidable team in the AFC. Adding pieces on both sides of the ball will only help solidify their future and ideally help them win while Kenny Pickett and Najee Harris are on their rookie deals. Time will tell but this draft will certainly help them make the strides they and all the fans are looking for.