Hidden-Gem Prospects Steelers Must Target in 2023 NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers have done a decent job of navigating free agency this offseason. They replaced cornerback Cameron Sutton with Patrick Peterson and signed linebackers Elandon Roberts and Cole Holcomb to replace Devin Bush and Robert Spillane while adding guards Isaac Seumalo and Nate Herbig to their offensive line.

Pittsburgh's roster should be as good as the one that went 9-8 in 2022. With some smart drafting, it should be better.

Over the next few weeks, fans will likely be interested in who the Steelers will take with their early selections, including the 17th overall pick. However, the Steelers should be looking to uncover some sleepers in the later rounds as well.

Pittsburgh has three Day 3 selections—the 120th, 234th and 241st overall picks. Here, we'll dive into three under-the-radar prospects the Steelers should target in the back end of the 2023 draft.

Blake Freeland, OT, BYU

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 05: Blake Freeland of Brigham Young participates in the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 05, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

The Steelers also added offensive tackle Le'Raven Clark to their offensive line. However, they should continue adding depth and perhaps competition for starting left tackle Dan Moore Jr.

While Moore has been a serviceable starter for Pittsburgh, he's been far from flawless. This past season, he was responsible for seven sacks allowed and 10 penalties, according to Pro Football Focus.

This is a position that Pittsburgh may address early in the draft. However, it could and perhaps should also take a late-round flier on Brigham Young offensive tackle Blake Freeland.

Freeland is an experienced starter who could potentially step into a prominent role early if needed.

"Blake Freeland is a four-year starter inside BYU's RPO/screen-heavy offense and zone-heavy run game with 41 career starts at both tackle spots, including 13 starts at left tackle in 2022," Brandon Thorn of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. "He has a tall, narrow and high-cut frame with good arm length and solid athletic ability."

While Freeland's experience is one of his biggest assets, it's worth noting that he also flashed athletic upside at the scouting combine. He ran a 4.98-second 40-yard dash and logged a 120-inch broad jump at 6'8" and 302 pounds.

Freeland is the 160th-ranked prospect on the B/R Scouting Department's draft board.

Daniel Scott, S, California

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MOBILE, AL - FEBRUARY 01: National defensive back Daniel Scott of California (32) during the Reese's Senior Bowl National team practice session on February 1, 2023 at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Pittsburgh lost Terrell Edmunds in free agency and should look to bring in competition for Damontae Kazee and Keanu Neal at strong safety.

Cal product Daniel Scott would be a great late-round target with that goal in mind. The 167th-ranked play on the B/R board, Scott isn't a high-end pass defender but can excel against the run.

"As a run defender, Scott does a very good job of reading and reacting to what he sees," Cory Giddings of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. "He triggers quickly and comes downhill like his hair is on fire. He takes great angles, giving ball-carriers a one way go and runs his feet on contact."

This past season, Scott tallied 85 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and three interceptions. With Minkah Fitzpatrick covering the back end at free safety, Scott's limited coverage skills would be less of a liability. He could serve as a run-down specialist and a core special teamer while getting tutored by defensive backs coach Grady Brown.

Brown coached Scott at the Senior Bowl this year as the defensive coordinator of the National Team.

Tre Tucker, WR, Cincinnati

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MOBILE, AL - FEBRUARY 01: National wide receiver Tre Tucker of Cincinnati (11) during the Reese's Senior Bowl National team practice session on February 1, 2023 at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

While Brown didn't directly coach former Cincinnati receiver Tre Tucker at the Senior Bowl, he did see plenty of him at practices. The former Bearcats standout put his speed on display in Mobile, Alabama.

"In one-on-one drills during the National Team practice, he stood out as a receiver who could separate from the defensive backs in man coverage," former NFL executive Rick Spielman wrote for the 33rd Team. "He also looked natural catching punts on special teams."

Tucker is a smaller receiver at 5'9" and 182 pounds, but he's shifty and fast (4.4-second 40-yard dash). He could come in and compete with 2022 fourth-round pick Calvin Austin III for a role in the slot.

After trading Chase Claypool at the trade deadline, Pittsburgh could use a more consistent third receiver in the lineup alongside Diontae Johnson and George Pickens.

At Cincinnati last season, Tucker caught 52 passes for 672 yards and three touchdowns. He also averaged 15.3 yards per punt return. In Pittsburgh, he could become a long-term replacement for return specialist Gunner Olszewski, who is entering the final year of his contract.

Tucker is the 173rd-ranked prospect on the B/R board.

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Draft order and picks information via Tankathon.