Two more visits down in the Pittsburgh Steelers' pre-draft process. On Monday, they met with top offensive tackle prospect Broderick Jones and defensive lineman Bryan Bresee according to ESPN's Brooke Pryor. The two are seen as arguably the best at their respective positions in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft. The visits come just over a week away from the draft, as they're some of the final top-30 visits for Pittsburgh.
Travis Bell / Sideline Carolina
Bryan Bresee is one of the top defensive linemen in the 2023 NFL Draft, making him a possibility for the Steelers.
It would come as a slight surprise if Jones were to fall to the Steelers at 17. If the University of Georgia product did though, it would be nearly impossible to pass him up. Along with Ohio State's Paris Johnson Jr., he figures to be the premier pass protector in the draft. Recently, there were rumors of the Steelers' interest in trading up to the ninth overall pick with the Chicago Bears.
Steelers brought in a couple first-round linemen today for pre-draft visits: Georgia OL Broderick Jones and Clemson DL Brian Bresee.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) April 17, 2023
While Johnson, and even Jalen Carter, were the rumored names that the Steelers would target at No. 9, Jones would make some sense as well. Jones has the size and athleticism that teams rave about when searching for a franchise offensive tackle. While he started just 19 games in college, he was able to face the best of the best in the SEC, regarded as the deepest conference.
Brett Davis / AP
The Steelers have reportedly been interested in trading up for a few top draft prospects, including Georgia DL Jalen Carter.
As for Bresee, defensive line remains a major area of concern for the black and gold, specifically for the long term. While the front office has made some recent signings at the position, those are more seen as temporary fill-ins. Bresee has been connected to the Steelers in several mock drafts over the past few months, and he wouldn't necessarily require a first-round selection.
Would trading up be worth it for the Steelers?
Dan Moore Jr., entering his third NFL season in 2023, may not have a starting job in the upcoming campaign. Johnson, Jones, and several other OT prospects that the Steelers have been interested in play on the left side. Tennessee's Darnell Wright is one exception, as he figures to be a right tackle at the next level, but it seems the front office is set on drafting an offensive tackle early in the draft.
Who do you want to see the black and gold take with the 17th overall pick? If it came down to it, would you prefer Jones or Johnson Jr. as the team's future OT? Do you think Bresee could be the long-term answer for the aging defensive line? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, yinz!
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