With 16 picks ahead of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, some very good players are going to be gone before the black and gold are on the clock. The Steelers’ offensive line was below average in 2022, which could lead to Omar Khan using their first pick to help protect Kenny Pickett in year two. Whether Pittsburgh brings in a tackle or guard, there are some current offensive linemen that could be replaced. Dan Moore Jr. and Kevin Dotson both showed flashes, but were lackluster last year. While the Steelers have been linked to a couple of the top tier guards in the draft, would they be able to get their hands on one of the best tackles? 
Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (Twitter: JSKO_Photo)
Could The Steelers Have a New Tackle?
There is a consensus top three when it comes to offensive tackles in this year’s draft. Paris Johnson Jr., Peter Skoronski, and Broderick Jones would all be plug and play offensive linemen and immediate upgrades for next year. While each are unique in their own ways, they each have their own minor flaws that could potentially have any of them fall to 17th overall.
Paris Johnson Jr.
The Ohio State tackle comes in at 6’6” and 310lbs. Johnson might have the highest floor from any of the tackles in the draft. He would immediately be a top 15 tackle in the NFL and would be better than Moore even at his worst. Everything between his measurements and his tools show that he is worthy of a top tier pick. Johnson received First Team All-American and All Big-Ten Awards after his dominant 2022 campaign. His minor flaws all reside with his technique. His hands and footwork could use some refinement which the Steelers could easily teach. 
Photo Credit: Carlos Osorio/AP
Being a standout on the field doesn’t give Johnson enough praise, he is also incredible off the field. Johnson loves volunteering and even has his own foundation that helps disabled veterans, student athletes and their families obtain helpful resources for their benefit. Not only is he helping people every day, Johnson also received multiple academic awards. Pittsburgh would love to see him still on the board when their first pick rolls around.
Peter Skoronski
The Northwestern prospect comes in at 6’4” and 315lbs. Skoronski enters the draft after three years of playing left tackle in college, the most experience out of the trio. He also comes with a very safe floor after allowing only one sack last year. Everybody knows his flaw comes with his wingspan. Skoronski has short arms as compared to current NFL tackles, leading to a harder time setting the edge and could lead to becoming a long-term guard. 
Photo Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Skoronski’s arms could be a turnoff for teams seeking tackle help, which could lead to him falling to Pittsburgh's pick. The Steelers shouldn’t take much consideration from Skoronski’s flaw because they could use his versatility on either spot on the line. Regardless of if he stays at tackle or turns into a guard, he would be a big improvement compared to the Steelers’ current offensive line options.
Broderick Jones
The Georgia tackle is similar to Skoronski at 6’4” and 310lbs, but plays with more physicality. Jones comes in with the highest upside out of the trio of tackle prospects. He is an incredible run blocker that could open up running lanes for Najee Harris. While Jones isn't a bad pass blocker, that is where his small flaws and risk start to show. His footwork and grip strength/hand placement standout which could maybe have him slip to Pittsburgh’s first pick. 
Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jones has little experience with basically only one year under his belt. Teams will be all over his physical traits, but could also pass on his “bust” potential. Jones looks to be a high-risk, high-reward type prospect, completely different from Skoronski’s high floor and experienced profile. Somewhere in the middle is where Paris Johnson Jr. resides. It's safe to say that one or two of these guys will be off the board before 17th overall and maybe all three could be gone before Pittsburgh is on the clock. If one of these guys remains available for the Steelers, it could be very hard to pass on any of them.
Would you like to see Pittsburgh draft one of these tackles in April? Let us know who you would prefer in the comments below.
#SteelerNation
