Prospects for Steelers to Avoid in 2023 NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers largely had a successful campaign in 2022, even though they missed the postseason. Pittsburgh won nine games, showed a lot of growth over the course of the season and got a long look at rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett.

In 2023, the Steelers will try to take the next step and get Pickett some postseason experience. Pittsburgh has largely been maintaining the roster in free agency—it replaced cornerback Cameron Sutton with Patrick Peterson and signed linebackers Elandon Roberts and Cole Holcomb to replace Devin Bush and Robert Spillane.

While the Steelers did add Isaac Seumalo and Nate Herbig to their offensive line, the real roster building is likely to occur in the 2023 NFL draft. Pittsburgh has seven draft picks with which to work, including the 17th overall selection.

How much better can Pittsburgh be in 2023? That depends on general manager Omar Khan's ability to find the right prospects and avoid the wrong ones. With this in mind, let's examine three prospects the Steelers should look to avoid over draft weekend and why.

Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State

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Ohio State OT Dawand Jones

The Steelers would be smart to continue improving their offensive line. Specifically, Pittsburgh should look to find an upgrade for left tackle Dan Moore Jr. early in the draft. Moore was serviceable in 2022, but he was responsible for 10 penalties and seven sacks allowed, according to Pro Football Focus.

Pittsburgh can and should consider prospects like Ohio State's Paris Johnson Jr. and Georgia's Broderick Jones in Round 1. Johnson's former teammate Dawand Jones, though, shouldn't be on the Steelers' radar.

Jones (6'8", 374 lbs) can be an imposing presence on the line and has loads of physical upside. However, he's an unpolished pass protector and best-suited to play on the right side at the next level.

"Jones needs to sharpen his processing skills and recognize basis line games and stunts more quickly," Brandon Thorn of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. "He is persistently late with his eyes to recognize the penetrator and inside pick attempts, resulting in him getting picked and losing levels too easily."

Pittsburgh, though, shouldn't be in the market for a right-tackle-only prospect. It has Chukwuma Okorafor, who is only 25 years old and who has been much more reliable than Moore.

This past season, Okorafor was responsible for only four penalties and three sacks allowed, according to PFF.

Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

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TCU WR Quentin Johnston

Pittsburgh could stand to add a wide receiver relatively early in the draft. While the Steelers have a solid tandem in Diontae Johnson and George Pickens, they need a reliable third receiver after trading Chase Claypool during the 2022 season.

This doesn't feel like a position Pittsburgh will address on opening night, as the Steelers have a strong track record of finding wideouts on Day 2. If the Steelers do use a first-round pick on a receiver, though, they should avoid TCU's Quentin Johnston.

Johnston is the top-ranked receiver on the Bleacher Report Scouting Department's big board. However, he projects as a perimeter receiver, which isn't what Pittsburgh needs. Ohio State's Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who can thrive as a big slot receiver at the next level, would be a more logical fit for the Steelers in Round 1.

Plus, Johnston has a history of dropping passes. According to Mitch Kaiser of Pro Football Focus, Johnston had eight drops in 2022 alone, the 14th-most in college football. His lack of reliability could be an issue for a young quarterback like Pickett.

Johnston has a tremendous amount of upside and may emerge as a top-tier receiver within the next few years. However, he doesn't match what Pittsburgh needs at receiver well enough to warrant consideration in Round 1.

Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State

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Mississippi State CB Emmanuel Forbes

Even after adding Peterson to the secondary, Pittsburgh could use help at cornerback. The Steelers defense ranked 10th in points allowed last season but ranked just 25th in yards per pass attempt allowed (6.5).

Speedy Mississippi State cornerback Emmanuel Forbes has a few attributes that would fit well in Pittsburgh's defense. He has legitimate track speed (4.35-second 40-yard dash), and he has a penchant for the big play. This past season alone, Forbes logged six interceptions and three touchdowns.

However, Forbes is a slight defender who measured in at only 166 pounds at 6'1" in Indianapolis. His thin frame and lack of play strength can lead to issues in pursuit of ball-carriers.

"There are times where he can struggle defeating blocks," Cory Giddings of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. "He does a good job of taking on blockers with his length and occasionally uses his quickness to beat blocks, but he's often overpowered by strength on the edge."

The problem is that two of Pittsburgh's AFC North rivals, the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens, lean heavily on the run. Forbes may be able to add size and strength to his frame in time, but he's likely to be a mere role player early on.

Pittsburgh should be looking for a cornerback who can play a more prominent role immediately and who won't be a liability when opposing teams are looking to lean on the run.