Pittsburgh Steelers Options In The First Round Of The 2023 NFL Draft Are Absolutely Clear

There are still several free agents out there, but the Pittsburgh Steelers are looking ahead to the 2023 NFL Draft. The organization added several key players who were available on the open market and will look to build out the rest of the roster in late April. Anyone could make an argument that the franchise should target four, or maybe even five, different positions with the 17th overall pick and, at this point, it's fairly easy to bring up five options that are most likely to end up in the Steel City.

Now, if someone like Jalen Carter ends up dropping significantly, that could affect the team's plans, but based on recent pro day activity and where certain prospects are expected to be taken, it's not very hard to narrow down a small list of future draft picks that are the most likely to be taken by Pittsburgh at #17.

1.) Bryan Bresee - DL- Clemson

The Steelers were able to retain Larry Ogunjobi and sign him to a three-year contract, but the trenches up front on defense are still extremely light. Head coach, Mike Tomlin and general manager, Omar Khan were both at the University of Clemson's pro day where the 6'5", 300-pound giant displayed his raw abilities.

Bresee had 15 tackles for loss and nine sacks in just 28 collegiate games played. To some, he might be considered a late first-rounder, but the need is glaring and it's imperative the organization gets a little bit younger on the defensive line.

2.) Joey Porter Jr. - CB - Penn State

There's no guarantee that Porter Jr. is going to be available when the Steelers pick in the first round. If he is, however, the likelihood of the franchise drafting him and bringing his family's bloodline back into the organization is high. He has consistently been mocked to Pittsburgh and has the tangibles to be a shutdown corner in the NFL.

The possibility of this is becoming more real each day as we get closer to the draft. The team needs more help at cornerback and while it's an incredibly deep class, Porter Jr. is at the top of it. The only thing working against Porter Jr is that Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan did not attend his Pro Day this past week. The team generally only drafts players in the first round that they see in person at their Pro Days. 

3.) Brian Branch - Safety - Alabama

Terrell Edmunds signed with the Eagles and the Steelers only have two formidable safeties on the roster. It has turned into, potentially, the biggest glaring need for the team. Branch is a versatile guy who could play all over the field for Pittsburgh. He would fit in well with Minkah Fitzpatrick and Damontae Kazee and significantly soften the blow of losing Edmunds. He's a top name to watch out for.

4.) Broderick Jones - Offensive Tackle - Georgia

A replacement for Dan Moore Jr. is likely at some point, but it doesn't necessarily need to be in Week 1 of the 2023 season. Jones didn't allow a sack in 2022 for the Bulldogs and while he may need need to be coached up at the professional level, at 6'5" and 310 pounds, he could be the blindside protector of Kenny Pickett for the next 10+ years.

5.) Steelers Target An Ohio State Buckeye Offensive Lineman

It would be a dream if Paris Johnson Jr. were to fall to Pittsburgh at #17. He seems like a borderline top 10 pick, but after the decisions makers attended the Ohio State pro day, he is clearly drawing interest. He may be the top guy the front office decides to trade up and get if the opportunity presents itself.

Dawand Jones will likely end up being a second rounder (potential at #32?), but if Tomlin and co. were impressed by his play in 2022 and recent pro day, no one should be shocked if he is taken earlier than expected. One of the big men could find a home in the Steel City in 2023.

Defensive or offensive line? Cornerback? Safety? The options are endless and the Steelers have put themselves in a very good position after a strong free agency. It all comes down to who is available at #17 and if any key prospects drop out of the top 10, but everyone on this list is a high possibility for Pittsburgh.

Who do you think Khan and Tomlin will target in the first round?