There is no denying that Pittsburgh Steelers' General Manager Omar Khan believes that the team is ready to compete in 2023. With the acquisitions of players such as Patrick Peterson, Isaac Seumalo and Allen Robinson II, the Steelers are assembling their roster together piece by piece and are in a prime position to make some noise in 2023 with an ascending quarterback, Kenny Pickett, still on a team-friendly contract.
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Steelers' QB, Kenny Pickett
Perhaps the final piece to the puzzle this offseason is a successful NFL Draft haul, which was the subject of a recent PFF article written by Brad Spielberger that listed the Steelers as a team who could be heading toward success next season if they ace their selections during the draft. With three picks inside the top 50, the Steelers have the necessary capital to add players who can become immediate contributors in 2023.
Spielberger suggests an ideal first three picks (17, 32 and 49) for the Steelers in the following order: Deonte Banks, CB From Maryland, Anton Harrison, OT from Oklahoma and Keeanu Benton, DL from Wisconsin.
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University of Maryland cornerback, Deonte Banks puts his hands up in the air as his team faces the University of Wisconsin.
Would These Three Draft Picks Be Difference Makers For The Steelers In 2023?
As the article points out, the Steelers have been uncharacteristically aggressive this offseason and may carry this mindset into the 2023 NFL Draft. While the idea of trading up in the first-round is a possibility, PFF believes Banks can be a top-of-the-line corner for the Steelers next season, a position in which the Steelers desperately need playmakers going into the 2023 season.
"On defense, TJ Watt's return was an obvious catalyst for better performance down the stretch, and adding a premier cornerback in a first-round loaded with options would help the unit to continue playing at a top-five level," Spielberger said on why Banks is a logical selection for the Steelers at pick 17.
Spielberger also mentions how adding an offensive tackle early, such as Harrison, may help the Steelers solidify their offensive line for years to come, even if this means the Oklahoma product does not see the field much during his rookie campaign.
"The Steelers' offensive line with new starting guard Isaac Seumalo also has quality interior depth to overcome potential injuries, but adding a tackle early in the draft will be a smart long-term move, even if that player serves as the swing tackle in 2023," Spielberger explained.
Finally, the Steelers round out their Day 2 picks with Benton, a run-stuffing defensive tackle who was a starter for most of his four seasons at Wisconsin. Benton's collegiate stats will not jump off the page with only nine career sacks and 19 tackles for loss, but his impact as a nose tackle does not always appear on the stat sheet. If the Steelers are fortunate enough to land Benton on draft night, he would be in immediate contention to start alongside Cam Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi next season.
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Wisconsin DT, Keeanu Benton
All three of these players held official top-30 visits with the Steelers, meaning the chances of them coming to Pittsburgh is a real possibility. Furthermore, each player provides depth at key positions of need and would have the chance to start right away. While it is extremely unlikely that all three are Steelers later this week, do not be surprised if at least one, possibly even two, of these prospects are wearing black and gold next season.
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Oklahoma OT, Anton Harrison
Are The Steelers Heading To Success In 2023?
The Steelers will face an uphill battle next season to make the playoffs in an immensely competitive AFC. With the Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals and Buffalo Bills currently the favorites to win the conference next season, the Steelers will need to see dramatic improvement from various players, most importantly at quarterback, to be serious contenders in 2023.
With all that being said, the Steelers' front office has done tremendously well this offseason by adding veteran players who help increase their chances of making the playoffs next year. Combine this with a successful NFL Draft haul, and the Steelers may serve as a dark-horse candidate to challenge the likes of the Chiefs, Bengals and Bills. Never count out a Mike Tomlin-led team. The Steelers are poised to regain their title as one of the best teams in the NFL in 2023.
What are your thoughts on PFF's first three selections for the Steelers during the 2023 NFL Draft? Is there another position group you would like to see the team address early on? Do you think the Steelers are heading for success next season? Leave a comment!
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