The Pittsburgh Steelers currently possess three selections inside the top 50 of the 2023 NFL Draft at picks 17, 32, and 49. While many would argue these picks would provide the necessary ammunition to trade up for a player such as star defensive tackle, Jalen Carter, the team could also find value in staying put. As the current roster stands, there are multiple positions that are in dire need of quality depth, perhaps most notably left tackle. The idea of trading up for one of the most talented players in this year's class is intriguing, however, Omar Khan and the front office may find it more beneficial to keep their three top picks and address a wider variety of questions with the roster.
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Jalen Carter sacks QB Anthony Richardson in 2022 at Sanford Stadium
Carter is arguably the most "can't miss" player in the 2023 NFL Draft. His elite combination of size and speed make him one of the most highly-graded defensive tackle prospects in recent years. However, due to off-the-field issues, many NFL teams question his level of maturity. There is no denying that there is a sizable amount of risk that would come along with the addition of Carter.
Ultimately, his high level of play may erase these fears rather quickly, but there are no guarantees in the NFL. Carter will have to prove that his game will translate to the next level and demonstrate the necessary attributes to show he is capable of the lifestyle that comes with being a professional football player.
Could The Steelers Make The Move If Carter Falls To #9?
There have numerous reports that the Steelers could be interested in acquiring the services of Carter if he falls to pick number nine, which interestingly enough is currently owned by the Chicago Bears. Should Omar Khan decide to pull the trigger on this deal, the team would almost certainly have to give up the pick at 17 as well as at least one of their second-round selections. A steep price to move up eight spots. Much of this speculation is purely hypothetical as many experts believe that Carter will be long gone by then. However, if the reports are indeed true, the Steelers are absolutely doing the right thing by looking in to the possibility of trading up.
Jaylen Carter has all the tools physically to be a game wrecker BUT, Despite all of his off field issues &weight gain recently, I cannot imagine him being on the board long.
— Bob Pompeani (@KDPomp) April 17, 2023
I don't see a scenario where #Steelers would get him unless they go up higher the the rumored 9th spot
Would the addition of Jalen Carter help secure the long-term answers at defensive tackle? Without a question. However, the Steelers have the ability to draft three starting quality players with their current selections within the top 50. Furthermore, there may be a fellow defensive tackle who would almost certainly be available at 17 and perhaps even 32, Bryan Bresee from Clemson. Bresee is not the same game-changing type of player as Carter, but he is an extremely athletic player who could benefit tremendously by sitting behind Cam Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi for a year. Bresee has already held an official Top-30 visit with the Steelers.
Jason Priester All Clemson
Clemson DT, Bryan Bresee
How Staying Put Makes The Most Sense For The Steelers
Moving up eight spots to potentially land Carter would most likely require the Steelers' own first-round pick at #17 in addition to one, if not multiple Day Two selections. While forfeiting a second or third-round may not seem like much of a big deal, it is important to keep in mind the types of players the Steelers have been able to land on the second night of the Draft over the past few years such as George Pickens in 2022, Pat Freiermuth in 2021, and Alex Highsmith in 2020.
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Steelers' TE, Pat Freiermuth
All three of these players have played critical components in the Steelers' recent success and project to be even more meaningful contributors in 2023. If the Steelers do end up making the trade with the Bears, they risk the possibility of not adding multiple players who can make the same type of impact as Pickens, Freiermuth, and Highsmith have made during their first few seasons in the NFL. It is often said that Drafts "are won" during the second and third rounds. With the Steelers' current possession of three Day Two picks, it simply makes the most sense to pass on the possibility of trading up for Carter and instead focus on adding a wide variety of players at different position groups.
Thoughts, Steeler Nation?
Alright, Steeler Nation. Do you think the decision to not trade up to land Carter is the correct move? What prospects do you have your eye on for the Steelers to select during the second/third rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft? Let us know in the comments!
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