Steelers' Team Needs to Fill in 2023 NFL Draft

Last year, the Pittsburgh Steelers used their first-round pick in the NFL draft to acquire a new franchise quarterback, taking Pittsburgh QB Kenny Pickett with the No. 20 overall selection. Now, the team is trying to build around him to help it reach the next level.

That's what the Steelers have been doing so far this offseason, as they've tried to improve their roster on both sides of the ball. They've strengthened their offensive line by signing guards Isaac Seumalo and Nate Herbig and tackle Le'Raven Clark, and they've upgraded their defense with the additions of linebacker Cole Holcomb and cornerback Patrick Peterson.

However, Pittsburgh still has work to do. That will continue in free agency as well as the 2023 NFL draft, which is set for April 27-29 in Kansas City. The Steelers own seven draft picks, including the No. 17 overall selection.

Here's a look at Pittsburgh's biggest remaining needs it may have to address in the draft.

Offensive Tackle

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 05: Broderick Jones of Georgia participates in a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 05, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Although the Steelers signed Clark to a one-year, $1.215 million deal, that move may not be enough to solidify the ends of their offensive line. The 29-year-old doesn't have a ton of starting experience, having made only 18 starts among his 64 games played over the past six seasons.

Dan Moore Jr. has made 33 starts at left tackle for Pittsburgh over the past two seasons (including all 17 games in the 2022 campaign), but the 24-year-old may not be a long-term fit at the spot. It's possible the Steelers will want to have improvement there to better protect Pickett's blind side.

If Pittsburgh uses an early draft pick on an offensive tackle, it could develop that player and have Moore start in the interim. Or if the Steelers want an immediate upgrade, they could use their first-round pick on somebody such as Georgia tackle Broderick Jones.

Even if Pittsburgh goes into the 2023 season with Moore and either Chukwuma Okorafor or Clark as its starting tackles, it's crucial to build depth at the position. So it may be wise for the Steelers to address that via the draft.

Safety

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 03: Defensive back Brian Branch of Alabama participates in the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 03, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Terrell Edmunds has left Pittsburgh, opting to sign a one-year, $2 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. That means the Steelers need to decide who will be their second starting safety alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick.

Perhaps the team turns to Damontae Kazee, who signed a two-year, $6 million deal to return to Pittsburgh. The 29-year-old had a pair of interceptions in nine games (including four starts) in 2022, his first season with the Steelers.

However, it's probably for the best that Pittsburgh finds an upgrade, especially if it hopes to find somebody who can play next to the 26-year-old Fitzpatrick for years to come. In doing so, the Steelers would have a strong back of their secondary for the long term.

One intriguing option in the draft could be Alabama's Brian Branch, who has already expressed interest in joining Fitzpatrick, a fellow former Crimson Tide standout, in Pittsburgh. Why not make it happen? It could be a great way for the Steelers to use their first-round pick.

Wide Receiver

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 04: Jordan Addison of Southern California participates in the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 04, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

The Steelers have Diontae Johnson and George Pickens at the top of their depth chart at wide receiver. So finding another player to add to the receiving corps likely won't be among the team's biggest priorities early in the draft.

However, Pittsburgh could use another receiver, considering Calvin Austin III is currently projected to be its third starter after they traded Chase Claypool to the Chicago Bears last year. Austin could develop into a great playmaker, but at this point, he hasn't shown whether that's going to be the case or not.

There are a lot of talented, high-potential wide receivers in this year's draft class. The Steelers could land a high-upside playmaker late in the draft.

But if they decide they want to take a wide receiver early, Jordan Addison is a great potential fit, considering he played with Pickett at Pittsburgh from 2020-21. The duo had so much success together with the Panthers that the Steelers may have to try to replicate that combination themselves.