Steelers' Players Who Will Be Most Impacted by 2023 NFL Draft Picks

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a clear objective to get better around Kenny Pickett through the 2023 NFL draft.

The Steelers come into the April 27-29 selection process with a solid offensive foundation in place with Najee Harris at running back, George Pickens and Diontae Johnson at wide receiver and Pat Freiermuth at tight end.

Pittsburgh's front office could find more protection for Pickett, or add another high-profile weapon in the passing game with the No. 17 overall pick.

The Steelers also own the No. 32 overall selection, so they could come away with two starting-caliber players who could take away snaps from projected starters or young players looking to carve out a bigger role in 2023.

Pittsburgh could also go the defensive route with its opening selection, and it could have its eyes on a long-term solution at cornerback who can learn under free-agent signing Patrick Peterson.

A potential early-round addition to the secondary could cut into the playing time of the depth players already on the Steelers defense.

Dan Moore Jr.

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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 01: Dan Moore Jr. #65 of the Pittsburgh Steelers lines up during an NFL football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium on January 01, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)

Dan Moore Jr. is the starting left tackle on the Steelers roster, but he could see his replacement drafted in the first or second round of the 2023 NFL draft.

NFL.com's Rhett Lewis projected that Tennessee offensive tackle Darnell Wright would go off the board at No. 17 to the Steelers.

ESPN.com's Mel Kiper Jr. has Oklahoma offensive tackle Anton Harrison going to the Steelers at No. 32 in his latest mock draft.

Kiper noted that Harrison could be competition for Moore or right tackle Chukwuma Okorafor.

"Harrison could compete with Moore from Day 1, but he also could beat out Chukwuma Okorafor on the right side," Kiper wrote.

Pittsburgh could use a young left tackle to protect Pickett not just for 2023, but in many years to come.

The selection of an offensive tackle at either No. 17 or No. 32 could spell the end of Moore's starting position with the Steelers.

At minimum, a new offensive tackle would provide competition for Moore when the Steelers reach training camp.

Calvin Austin III

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PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 25: Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) takes part in a drill during the team's OTA practice on May 25, 2022, at the Steelers Practice Facility in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Calvin Austin III missed his rookie season with a foot injury, and he might have his roster status affected by a potential early-round selection of a wide receiver.

Kiper projected that Boston College's Zay Flowers would be Pittsburgh's selection at No. 17 in his latest mock draft.

Johnson and Pickens are the clear first two names on Pittsburgh's depth chart, so the Steelers need to find the best possible depth to support them.

The Steelers have no sample size on what Austin is capable of producing at the NFL level, and that may be a reason why they go after a wide receiver at No. 17, or to start the second round at No. 32.

If that happens, Austin could be left competing with Gunner Olszewski and Anthony Miller for a roster spot. Olszewski would likely have the edge over both players because of his return ability on special teams. That could leave Austin fighting for one of the last spots on the 53-man roster in August.

Arthur Maulet and Levi Wallace

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PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 13: Arthur Maulet #35 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a defensive play during the first half of the game against the New Orleans Saints at Acrisure Stadium on November 13, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Arthur Maulet and Levi Wallace could see their playing time cut if the Steelers land a cornerback in the first or second round.

The Steelers have Peterson and Ahkello Witherspoon installed at the starting corner spots. They could feel inclined to land a young corner to learn under Peterson for at least the next year.

Kiper has Kansas State cornerback Julius Brents landing at No. 49 with the Steelers in his latest mock draft.

The Steelers may have a better chance of landing a corner with one of their two second-round picks because the top prospects at the position could be off the board by No. 17.

A first- or second-round pick would demand some time on the field because of his draft status. The Steelers will not waste an early pick on a player who will only learn the ways of the position under Peterson while standing on the sideline.

Maulet and Wallace will still contribute in some capacity because the Steelers have to deal with the wide receiver depth of the Cincinnati Bengals and other top AFC squads on their schedule, but they may have to fight for a high snap percentage in each game if another corner arrives.