With the NFL regular season coming to an end this past weekend, we now know the order of the top 18 picks in the upcoming NFL draft.
The top three picks will go to the Chicago Bears, Houston Texans, and Arizona Cardinals.
While the Steelers did victory in the game against the Browns, they didn’t quite make it to the playoffs and will therefore get the 17th pick of the first round (along with picks 32, 49, 80, 117, 212 and 223 in the latter rounds).
LAS VEGAS, NV - APRIL 28: Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh reacts after being selected as the number 20 pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers during the NFL Draft on April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Speer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
A successful draft can set up an NFL franchise for years.
Just last year, the Steelers drafted Kenny Pickett, who proved to be a tremendous success and the franchise’s quarterback of the future.
In fact, in the immediate aftermath of the Picket pick, the team’s Super Bowl odds dropped from +8000 to +6000.
The odds for the 2024 Super Bowl have yet to be published. But they will be out immediately after the conclusion of Super Bowl LVII.
And unlike in past years, with the launch for PA sports betting in January 2022, you can now bet on all sports events (including the Super Bowl) in the state of Pennsylvania.
No one knows who the Steelers will pick this year and how these choices will affect their Super Bowl betting odds.
But we do know that a successful draft can improve a team’s chances both on the field and at the bookies.
How the Steelers Got The 32nd Pick
The pick originally belonged to the Bears, who sent it to the Steelers in exchange for wide receiver Chase Claypool.
Now comes the interesting part:
The Miami Dolphins were ducked their 1st round pick as punishment for tampering with Tom Brady, meaning that there are only 31 first round picks this year.
Since the Bears were slated to pick first in the second round, and this pick now belongs to the Steelers.
Steeler Nation essentially gets an extra 1st round pick.
Hopefully, the Steelers can take advantage of this lucky break and address one of the team’s needs.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, Chase Claypool practices with his new team, the Chicago Bears for one of the first times after being traded. | MaryKate Drews/Chicago Bears
What Positions Should the Front Office Address?
Cornerback
Cameron Sutton is likely to leave as a free agent. The Steelers will need a replacement.
Defensive Tackle
Chris Wormley, Tyson Alualu and Larry Ogunjobi are free agents.
This is an area that needs to be addressed ASAP.
Wide Receiver
Chase Claypool was never replaced; adding a young wide receiver is something the front office should think about.
Wrapping Up
The 2023 NFL draft is coming up fast. Having overachieved this past season, the Steelers get an opportunity to improve the current team even further. Ultimately, the front office along with coach Mike Tomlin need to make the decisions to help this team reach next year’s playoffs.
