The Pittsburgh Steelers have had what many are calling a successful 2023 offseason leading into the NFL Draft. A plethora of free agent signing as well as bringing back some internal options have the team set up to be patient and not force anything during the draft. The same can't really be said for the rest of the AFC North as there has been plenty of drama in the division, especially surrounding Baltimore Ravens' quarterback, Lamar Jackson and his contract situation. Draft weekend could be very interesting for the other three teams.
Oct 23, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (#8) stiff arms Cleveland Browns linebacker Deion Jones (#54) during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Photo Credit: USA TODAY Sports / Jessica Rapfoge
Beginning in Baltimore, the organization recently made a splash signing, bringing in wide receiver, Odell Beckham Jr. in what seemed to be a desperate attempt to make Jackson a little bit happier. While he has yet to sign a long-term deal, it could be coming any day now. Solidifying his content may include making the biggest draft day trade of the season.
1.) Steelers Fans Should Keep An Eye On Wide Receiver, DeAndre Hopkins
Reports are swirling that the Ravens may very well be in on the Hopkins sweepstakes. It's very possible that Hopkins is Jackson's last request before putting pen to paper.
.@REALPACMAN24 doubled down from yesterday when he said that DeAndre Hopkins-to-Ravens is still possible, but he upped to a ‘skrong’ possibility todaypic.twitter.com/A0ojVU1NeN
— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) April 19, 2023
A combination of Beckham, Hopkins and Mark Andrews could wreak havoc in the division. Steelers fans should be hoping that another team is willing to outbid the Ravens for the stud wideout.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver, DeAndre Hopkins (#10) celebrates in the end zone after scoring a touchdown. | Photo Credit: Getty Images / Norm Hall
2.) Could The Steelers Or Browns Steal Gervon Dexter From The Other?
Both the Steelers and Browns met with Dexter during a 'Top 30' visit. The 6'6" Florida Gators defensive lineman is a massive 310 pounds with 36 games of college experience under his belt. With both of these franchises needing help in the trenches, Pittsburgh may have to move up from the 80th overall pick to jump Cleveland at #74.
Dexter isn't the only defensive lineman who will be an option in the third round, but the mutual interest from division rivals brings up an interesting potential scenario. The Browns hold all the power being ahead of Pittsburgh, but Cleveland's lack of first and second round selections may affect their decision-making process with their first pick in the draft.
3.) What Will The Bengals Do With Their Running Back Situation?
Joe Mixon has had recent legal trouble and it's very possible the Cincinnati Bengals decide to move on from him during the 2023 NFL Draft. Picking towards the very end of the first round, Alabama running back, Jahmyr Gibbs has been mocked to Cincinnati and may end up being the new face of the franchise as far as their backfield goes.
Former Alabama Crimson Tide running back, Jahmyr Gibbs. | Photo Credit: Vasha Hunt / AP
These three things are all something to look out for in regards to the other teams in the division. Of course, it's important to watch for all moves from the three organizations, but the Steelers could be affected by these in particular. Hopkins to Baltimore, Dexter to Cleveland and/or Gibbs to Cincinnati all could make a difference in the makeup of the AFC North.
What are you looking out for from the Steelers' divisional rivals come draft weekend? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
