The Pittsburgh Steelers playoff chances are essentially zero. After the Week 14 loss dropped them to 5-8, they would have to win out to give them even the smallest of chances. Unless they do win those last four contests, head coach Mike Tomlin will have his first below-.500 season since taking over as head coach in 2007. Now, it's time to at least start looking ahead to what will be a crucial off-season.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation.com (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
General manager, Omar Khan has already shown he's not afraid to be aggressive, making trades and key extensions since taking over. The Steelers should be active in free agency once again, particularly since they don't have a ton of money tied down to the quarterback position. That's not typically the team's way of doing things, but former GM Kevin Colbert showed a desire to switch things up last off-season.
The upcoming NFL Draft is crucial to helping this team get back on track in 2023 and beyond. Not only will the black and gold have a top-15 pick, but they also have the Chicago Bears' second-round pick. That will be one of the first few picks in the second round, essentially giving Khan three top-45 picks. There are plenty of needs for this team, including cornerback, defensive line, and offensive line.
With the defensive line aging, it's likely that one of those first three picks are on the DL. Last season, University of Georgia product, Jordan Davis was the consensus No. 1 interior defensive lineman. The Steelers were linked to him, but he eventually was selected 11th overall by the Philadelphia Eagles, nine picks before the Steelers. In this upcoming draft, another Georgia lineman is becoming a top-five pick.
Georgia DL Jordan Davis | Steven Limentani / ISI Photos / Getty Images
That would be Jalen Carter, who ESPN most recently had going second overall to the Seattle Seahawks in its mock draft. ESPN draft analyst, Todd McShay, said that Carter's character issues are something to keep an eye on in the pre-draft process. As a result, McShay thinks the defensive lineman could slip in the 2023 NFL Draft. Now, first of all, this is the first that anyone has seemingly heard of Carter having character concerns.
ESPN’s Todd McShay said he believes Jalen Carter has some “character issues” that may end up affecting his Draft stock.
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) December 14, 2022
The Georgia DL is currently projected to be a top-five pick 👀 pic.twitter.com/BTbsj9cTl0
Several of his teammates responded to McShay, professing how good of a teammate he is. McShay's report may be completely inaccurate, as again, there really hasn't been any reports of character issues before this. It is something to keep an eye on in the coming months though, as it could affect his draft stock. If he were to fall, it would be the perfect scenario for Khan to scoop him up.
Cam Heyward will be 34 years old by the start of the 2023 season. Chris Wormley and Tyson Alualu are free agents at the end of the season and unlikely to return. Larry Ogunjobi may not return either, as he may command a bigger contract. Talented youngster, DeMarvin Leal, selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, figures to be a part of the team's future on the DL.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation.com (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
In other words, they need some reinforcements. The run defense has faltered the past few seasons, something Steelers defenses typically pride themselves on. Over his past two seasons with Georgia, Carter has combined for 15.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. For many fans, and maybe even Khan, Carter falling to the Steelers in the draft is a dream scenario.
What would you think if the black and gold were able to scoop him up? What are your predictions for the upcoming draft? Who else should Khan look at along the DL? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
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