The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a good spot heading into the 2023 NFL Draft. They were able to upgrade some needs on the roster in free agency, something that they have rarely done in the past but has begun doing more in the last two offseasons.
Pittsburgh has a strong foundation to build upon. They worked in a rookie quarterback, Kenny Pickett, in 2022 and had some injuries to overcome defensively, yet still managed to go 9-8. It speaks volumes to the work that head coach Mike Tomlin has done to prepare his team week in and week out.
Heading into the draft next week, there are a few positions that the Steelers could address. Best player available is very likely their route, but there are a few players that may match need and value. Offensive tackle is a position to keep an eye on, as is cornerback.
But, the Steelers reportedly have their eyes on a bigger prize. According to Peter King in his “Football Morning In America” column, there are rumors of Pittsburgh planning a big move up the draft board.
“Best rumor of the week: Steelers trading up from 17 to nine if [Jalen Carter’s] there. There could not be a more perfect coach for Carter than Mike Tomlin,” King wrote.
Jalen Carter was regarded as the No. 1 player in this year’s draft class by many earlier in the year. However, an arrest for his involvement in a fatal car crash that he reached a plea deal for last month has led to some teams dropping him down in the rankings.
His poor performance at Georgia’s Pro Day did him no favors either. Carter reportedly struggled with the drills that he participated in, not being able to finish some and being heavier than he was at the NFL Combine.
The No. 9 pick is currently owned by the Chicago Bears, who came into the offseason with the No. 1 pick. They traded it to the Carolina Panthers for four picks and wide receiver D.J. Moore. In the early stages of a rebuild, if they could add even more prime draft capital in a trade, they would certainly be open to it.
Pittsburgh would be a great landing spot for Carter. Expectations wouldn’t be nearly as high in the early going as he wouldn’t be considered a franchise savior. There are also plenty of veterans in place, namely Cam Heyward, that would be able to keep him on the straight and narrow and help him move past the terrible incident he was involved in, in January.
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