Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers should look to 2012 for 2023 NFL Draft strategy

By Aaron Becker | Last updated Mar 7, 2023 10:51 AM ET

The Steelers have been linked to a number of different players in the 2023 NFL Draft. But when the time comes to pick at No. 17, Pittsburgh should do something it hasn't since 2012.

That is selecting an offensive lineman, which the team hasn't done in the first two rounds of the draft in a decade.

The Steelers haven’t selected an offensive lineman in either the first- or second-round since 2012. #Steelers #NFL
— Blitzburgh (@Blitz_Burgh) February 27, 2023

The Steelers selected guard David DeCastro with pick No. 24 in the 2012 NFL Draft and it certainly worked out for them. DeCastro went onto play nine seasons in Pittsburgh and was selected to six Pro Bowls as one of the best offensive linemen in the league.

The team is hoping it found its franchise quarterback in Kenny Pickett and now it must protect him. Offensive tackle seems to be the favorite pick after tackle Dan Moore Jr. allowed seven sacks and was penalized 10 times in 2022, according to Pro Football Focus.

There are multiple offensive linemen that could be available when the Steelers make their first selection including Northwestern's Peter Skoronski, Ohio State's Paris Johnson Jr., Oklahoma's Anton Harrison and Georgia's Broderick Jones. All rank in PFF's top 25 prospects on its big board.

If Pittsburgh can land any of them, it may have its next DeCastro and cement another piece of its offensive line for the foreseeable future.

Aaron Becker

Aaron Becker is a Pittsburgh-based sports journalist, primarily covering the NFL and college football. He previously worked for the Kansas City Chiefs (2021-22), Pittsburgh Steelers (2019-21) and University of Pittsburgh (2018-19). Becker has a B

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