Pittsburgh Steelers And AFC North Continue To Benefit As Baltimore Ravens Implode

It's an exciting time of year for Pittsburgh Steelers fans. As the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine has begun, all eyes are on head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan. With needs at offensive line, cornerback, and linebacker, Yinzers have debated which position should be a top priority during the draft. We would be lying if we said that the idea of adding Kenny Pickett's former favorite target, Jordan Addison, to the squad isn't enticing as well. The Steelers possess the 17th overall pick and have acquired the 32nd, thanks to the Chicago Bears and Chase Claypool. Pittsburgh is in a position that other teams are sure to envy. 

One luxury of being a Steelers fan is having the reassurance that we have the best in the business leading the way. Widely known as a "player's coach," Tomlin has built the reputation of a coach that players want to play and win for. In addition to Tomlin at the combine is general manager Khan, who has seamlessly transitioned into the position from former and beloved GM, Kevin Colbert.

Right off the bat, players are raving about connecting with Tomlin.

One AFC North Rival Hasn't Been As Lucky As Steelers

The Baltimore Ravens have found themselves in a sticky situation this offseason. Tensions are building as quarterback Lamar Jackson's contract negotiations continue, and it's beginning to seem less likely that the 2019 MVP will be making a return to the squad. Fellow AFC North contender, the Cleveland Browns, set the bar high as they signed quarterback Deshaun Watson to a record-breaking five-year $230,000,000 deal. Jackson is requesting a similar payday, as he has certainly proved that he has what it takes to be a game-changer at the highest level.

An ongoing issue in today's NFL is finding the balance between paying quarterbacks and distributing the wealth with other high-caliber players. In situations like the Green Bay Packers, expensive quarterbacks have resulted in fewer opportunities at receiver. The Ravens could find themselves in a similar position. Much to Jackson's dismay, the Ravens traded Marquise "Hollywood" Brown to the Arizona Cardinals for the 23rd overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. It's clear that other than star tight end, Mark Andrews, Jackson's options are limited. 

Ravens' general manager, Eric DeCosta, has commented on the team's difficulties with drafting receivers in the past on The Vault podcast:

“We’ve never really hit on that All-Pro type of guy, which is disappointing, but it’s not for a lack of effort … It’s one of those anomalies that I really can’t explain, other than to say that we’re not going to stop trying.”

DeCosta's comments have rubbed receiver Rashod Bateman the wrong way.  In a since deleted tweet, Bateman spoke on the matter:

"how bout you play to your player's strength and stop pointing the finger at us and #8... blame the one you let do this... we take heat 24/7. & keep us healthy... care about US & see what happen.. ain't no promises tho... tired of y'all lyin and capn on players for no reason"

Although Bateman has since apologized, former Ravens running back, Mike Davis, has tweeted out in support.

With the Ravens under heat, Pittsburgh is becoming a more and more enticing landing spot for players. We have had our fair share of drama in the 412, and for once, we're happy to stay out of this one.

#SteelerNation