NFL Network Gives 5 Players From 2023 NFL Draft That Will Go Higher Than Currently Projected, All Of Which Are Positions Of Need For Steelers

With the surprising news that Bud Dupree signed with the Atlanta Falcons on Friday morning, the Pittsburgh Steelers suddenly have another position of need. The edge position was one that needed some depth, but that holds especially true after the release of Jamir Jones and now Dupree not coming back. Unfortunately, there are still other more pressing needs, like cornerback, offensive tackle, and even defensive line. 

NFL Network's Peter Schrager has become a trustworthy name around the league, and he recently spoke with GM's around the league. As a result, he compiled a list of five prospects that will go higher than draft experts currently have them going. 

Unfortunately, all five prospects listed are at positions of need, including three cornerbacks. Christian Gonzalez is a guy that will likely go in the top-10, so the Steelers would have to trade up to even have a chance at him. If they were to trade up, it seems Omar Khan and the front office would pursue a guy like Ohio State offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. instead.

The other two cornerbacks, Emmanuel Forbes and Tyrique Stevenson, are prospects that have been mocked to the Steelers. In my first mock draft on Thursday, I had the team taking Forbes with the 32nd overall pick. That may be a bit too optimistic, as he seems to be a likely first-rounder based off this report from Schrager. As for Stevenson, he's been seen as a guy that's in that next tier.

Will the Steelers consider a guy like Nolan Smith now?

It's led to the Steelers taking him in the second round in a few different mock drafts, as he could be a nice backup option if they opt for an offensive tackle early. Georgia edge rusher Nolan Smith is an interesting name, but he seems primed to go in the first-half of the opening round. That means, if he falls to them, the Steelers would have to take him with the 17th overall pick if they wanted him. 

While edge is a prevalent need now, they still have TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith in the starting lineup. That makes it hard to imagine the front office using a first-round selection on a guy that won't even start in 2023, barring injury. Highsmith could leave next offseason, depending on if the team opts to extend him or not. Still, edge seems like a position that will be addressed in the middle rounds as opposed to one of their first three picks.

Iowa's Lukas Van Ness could be an exception to that, as Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan reported on Thursday that the team loves him. As for the last guy in Schrager's report, defensive lineman Calijah Kancey could go anywhere in the first two rounds of the draft. He has flaws that likely concern several teams, including his overall lack of size, but the college production and tape are hard to ignore.

From a Steelers perspective, Kancey also played just right down the road at the University of Pittsburgh. That makes for a natural connection and interest, but like with Smith, he's a guy that the Steelers would probably have to pick in the first round. Despite the additions of Breiden Fehoko and Armon Watts recently, defensive line is a major need. If the team opted to trade back, Kancey could be the perfect option with a bit more draft capital.

What are your thoughts on these five guys that Schrager reported on? Does this hurt the team's chances of getting a legitimate Day 1 starter at cornerback? Should the team consider an edge rusher early now? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

#SteelerNation