It is never too early to start theorizing about who the Pittsburgh Steelers will draft come April of 2023. The 2022 season hasn't even begun yet, but draft analysts are constantly evaluating talent and putting out predictions 365 days a year it seems.
A mock draft from ESPN was recently released by Matt Miller. Todd McShay released one in early May and had Mike Tomlin's team picking 11th. Miller's draft order is based on ESPN's "Football Power Index" which apparently does not think very highly of the Steelers given the fact that teams like the Detroit Lions and New York Giants are ahead of the six-time Super Bowl Champions.
While the likelihood of Tomlin and co. having a disastrous season is not expected, it certainly would be interesting to see the Steelers pick in between picks 1-9 for the first time since 2000 when the organization drafted Plaxico Burress.
Photo by Keith Srakocic / AP
Here is what Miller had to say about the team's sixth overall pick:
Steelers Select University Of Georgia Cornerback, Kelee Ringo
"With rookie first-round quarterback Kenny Pickett on the roster, the Steelers could look to improve in other places. Ringo had eight pass breakups and two interceptions on a loaded defense last season, and you might remember his clinching pick-six in the title game. If the 6-foot-2 corner can make plays without 10 future NFL starters around him, his coverage ability and physical traits will put him in the running for CB1 in this class."
Georgia defensive back, Kelee Ringo (5) during the Bulldogs game against Georgia Tech at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Historic Grant Field in Atlanta, Ga., on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021. (Tony Walsh/UGAAA)
If the organization did end up in the top 10, Ringo would be a great selection despite the recent history of drafting cornerbacks. Ringo leads Georgia's secondary and the Steelers don't necessarily have a clear-cut #1 cornerback. Another option here in 2023 could be University of Alabama cornerback, Eli Ricks, but Miller had him going fourth overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Ringo comes from a winning pedigree at a dominant force in college football and plays against the best players at his level. His upside is tremendous as last season was just his first as a starter and will continue to get better. Steelers fans, of course, would rather not have the ability to select Ringo because as of now, it seems he will be off the board after the first 10 picks. Fans of the storied franchise haven't had their team pick in the top 10 (aside from the trade up to grab Devin Bush in 2019) and surely would like to keep it that way.
Do you think the Steelers could be picking in the top 10 next offseason? Could Ringo be a good fit on the defense and in the secondary? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
