After a fairly aggressive free agency, the Pittsburgh Steelers still have many holes to fill with less than a month to go until the 2023 NFL Draft. It's really anyone's guess at this point as to whether they will beef up the trenches, or target a cornerback with the 17th overall pick. There are a number of prospects who could potentially be a fit, so it will come down to if someone drops out of the top 10 and the franchise likes him enough to trade up or if they sit tight at #17 and wait for their turn and go with the best option on the board.
Steelers general manager, Omar Khan speaks with reporters at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, IN. | Photo Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski / USA Today
The Steelers have two picks in the top 32, which can essentially can be looked at as two first rounders, aside from certain financial and contract details. The Miami Dolphins forfeited their first round pick and Khan's incredible trade with the Chicago Bears involving Chase Claypool landed Pittsburgh the 32nd selection overall.
One player on the current roster who has been highly criticized is left tackle, Dan Moore Jr. The team might be looking for a longterm answer to protect Kenny Pickett's blind side for years to come if they don't have faith in the current man who has the job. Moore Jr. graded in the bottom half of the league by Pro Football Focus when it came to tackles, receiving a total score of 62.4 for 2022, which was 57th.
With a few of left tackles probably being gone within the top 12 picks (Peter Skoronski, Paris Johnson Jr. and Broderick Jones), the team could wait until #32 and the perfect guy may be waiting for them.
Oklahoma tackle, Anton Harrison takes the field with his teammates during the 2022 college football regular season. | Photo by Brian Bahr / Getty Images
Steelers Might Be A Great Place For Oklahoma Tackle, Anton Harrison
Harrison has kind of gotten lost in all of the talk when it comes to massive offensive linemen in the 2023 draft class. He is extremely light on his feet and is one of the most athletic blockers coming out of college. He received a grade of 72.6 from PFF in 2022 and the former four-star recruit has the size to play professionally at 6'5" and 315 pounds.
He played left tackle in 33 of 34 games at the University of Oklahoma and has plenty of playing experience. Most believe Dawand Jones might be the guy to go with here, but Harrison can't be overlooked, especially if he ends up dropping out of the first round and is available at #32.
Jones may be more of an option if the team is looking for versatility as he probably has more of a chance to play on both sides in the NFL, but Harrison was originally expected to be a first round pick and is slipping in mock drafts. Oklahoma's pro day is on Thursday, March 30th and if the Steelers send some big names, Harrison could very well be on their radar.
Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin smiles at defensive lineman, Cameron Heyward (#97) before a 2022 regular season matchup at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (@JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
The biggest person to look for is, of course, head coach, Mike Tomlin. If he appears at the pro day, it hints at the fact that Pittsburgh is interested in Harrison and possibly other former Sooners players. Harrison, though, being a large left tackle, could be at the top of Tomlin's list to watch.
Would you like it if Harrison dropped out of the first round and into the Steelers lap? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
