Steelers' draft plans in first round may hinge on single player's free-agency decision

It seems very likely that the Pittsburgh Steelers will target a cornerback or an offensive/defensive lineman in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. While these needs have been slightly addressed during free agency, there are still several holes, and pick No. 17 may have to be one of those positions. The organization has surprised before, however. Another area that is extremely light right now in the secondary is at safety. Minkah Fitzpatrick will hold the fort down and Damontae Kazee is set to return after agreeing to a two-year deal, but there's not much else.

So where will the rest of the depth come from? It could very well on hinge on a former first-round pick, Terrell Edmunds. The safety has been in Pittsburgh since he was drafted in 2018 an has gotten better and more consistent each season. Another key part of his game is availability as he only missed three games in his five-year career.

Edmunds entered free agency with an open mind and was clear that he planned on taking his time in 2023. Back in 2022, he was quick to sign a one-year deal with the Steelers, finding him right back on the market a year later. Reports surrounding him have been quiet, but signing him to a multi-year extension, like Kazee, could end any talks of the team drafting a safety early.

If he heads elsewhere, however, one's mind has to shift to former University of Alabama safety Brian Branch. The ball hawk is consistently being projected to go in the middle of the first round, right where Pittsburgh is slated to pick. Branch was outspoken at the NFL's 2023 Scouting Combine about wanting to play alongside the former Crimson Tide player at the professional level.

Branch had three interceptions in his collegiate career but was more impressive was his ability to make plays in the backfield during his senior year in 2022. He had 14 tackles for loss and might be the perfect guy to pair with Fitzpatrick and Kazee in a three-safety set that was used towards the end of the season in 2022 for the Steelers.

He also had seven passes defended and three sacks. He's the exact kind of player the franchise likes, and his versatility may make him a top target in the first round. It's hard to imagine, however, that Edmunds is brought back and Branch gets selected in the first round. That's what it may come down to.

Most fans and analysts think the Steelers need to beef up the trenches while others believe a cornerback could be the answer at No. 17. At the end of the day, the pick may be directly related to the attempt to bring Edmunds back or let him move on to place for an organization elsewhere.

Steelers May Love The Idea Of Branch In Round 1

It's quite possible that Pittsburgh is already set on Branch is he is available at No. 17. Edmunds has decided to take his time with a decision this time around, but the Steelers may not even have contacted him to discuss him coming back. We could have a new favorite to be selected at No. 17 if Edmunds walks in free agency.