The Pittsburgh Steelers currently hold the 7th pick in the 2023 NFL draft, and if things continue to fall how they are they’ll stay near that position the rest of the season. The last time the Steelers picked in the top 8 was the year 2000 when they selected receiver Plaxico Burress from Michigan State.
Omar Khan will be under heavy scrutiny in his first NFL Draft this off-season as the Steelers will be looking to fix some fundamental flaws within the current team. The Steelers have invested heavily in playmakers in recent years and have not spent a first-round draft pick on an offensive lineman in over a decade. Before the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals, we took a look at who Khan might target in the 2023 draft. Based on a third of the season being over, let’s reevaluate who the Steelers might target if they end up drafting between the 8th and 14th pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Paris Johnson Jr, T – Ohio State Buckeyes
Paris Johnson is the preeminent offensive line prize in the 2023 draft. If the Steelers finish the season with the 8th pick, the needs of teams in front of them looking for edge rushers and quarterbacks could put this monster on the path to the starting tackle position for the next decade in Pittsburgh. Kenny Pickett has a small sample size, but if they have indeed found the franchise quarterback, it is time to get him Pro Bowl level protection.
Trenton Simpson, LB – Clemson Tigers
Devin Bush has certainly played better this season, but he and Robert Spillane are just not the answer in nickel sets. The Steelers need an inside linebacker who has superior coverage skills and Trenton Simpson is the best coverage linebacker in college football. His ability to cover tight ends and backs with Mark Andrews, Hayden Hurst and David Njoku in the division is a sorely need asset. Pairing him with Myles Jack would solidify the linebacker unit.
Joey Porter Jr, CB – Penn State Nittany Lions
Joey Porter Jr has played outstanding this season. He is leading the country in pass breakups and of course is a legacy pick for Pittsburgh. His dad, Joey Porter was an outstanding linebacker for the black and gold and as a coach, he directly contributed to baiting the Cincinnati Bengals into a penalty that led to the last Steelers playoff victory. Porter is a lockdown corner who plays with an edge and could finally be the elite player they have been searching for over a decade to find.
Peter Skoronski, OL – Northwestern Wildcats
Peter Skoronski is the second-best offensive line prospect behind Ohio State’s Johnson. He is flexible and can play guard or tackle. The Steelers have a significant need at both positions, and he is an excellent run blocker and pass protector. The Steelers offensive line has played better than expected, but bringing on a talented player who can fill the biggest hole at an elite level is a very appealing prospect.
Myles Murphy, Edge – Clemson Tigers
Watt and Alex Highsmith are going to be a special combination in Pittsburgh for the next half a decade at least. Cam Heyward isn’t getting any younger and at 6 feet 5 inches tall and 275 pounds, Murphy is adept at not only rushing from the edge, but lines up all along the interior line, including over the center at times. He has the skill set to be an elite 3-4 end and with the progress of DeMarvin Leal and the tutelage of Heyward, he could provide quality depth and a nightmare matchup for defenses who have to respect Highsmith and Watt.
The Steelers could still make a run at the division and end up right back in the twenties on draft day, but if they do end up suffering the first losing season of the Mike Tomlin era, they could find themselves the recipients of a game changing talent in a position of need.
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