Cornerback and tackle are at the top of the position list.
The Pittsburgh Steelers finished the 2022 campaign with a respectable 9-8 record. The Steelers ended the year on a high note, winning seven of their last nine games, falling just short of obtaining the final AFC playoff spot. But longtime head coach Mike Tomlin kept alive his streak of never having a losing season. Starting 2-6 to finishing 9-8 is an impressive feat. All who suited up for the Black and Gold should be proud of their determination and discipline throughout the season.
That said, Pittsburgh has not seen a playoff win since 2016, and the streak has been filled with frustration, disappointment, and misfortune. That’s why the team’s choices during this year’s NFL Draft loom large. It’s a chance to break their tiring cycle of mediocrity. GM Omar Khan and Coach Tomlin must upgrade the team’s talent to become Super Bowl contenders again.
After losing Cameron Sutton to the Detroit Lions, the Steelers are looking at a cornerback room with Levi Wallace as the CB1. Wallace is a solid starter, but he is not a CB1. So, Khan signed veteran corner Patrick Peterson to a two-year, $14 million contract. It was a classic Steeler move: snag a productive player at a reasonable price. But the cornerback room is still underwhelming. With Pick #7 and #32, the Steelers have a great opportunity to select their corner of the future. The Steelers haven’t drafted a cornerback in the first round since selecting infamous draft bust Artie Burns with the 25th pick in the 2017 draft.
Joey Porter, Jr. (photo courtesy Steeler Nation)
Redemption is possible by drafting Joey Porter Jr. out of Penn State with the 17th overall pick. His father, Joey Porter Sr., was a four-time pro bowler and a Super Bowl champion with the Steelers in 2006. In addition, from 2015-2018, Porter was a linebackers coach for his former team. Is Joey Porter Jr. the answer? Yes! The 6’2, 200-pounder would bring a demanding presence to Pittsburgh’s defense. His big frame, aggressiveness, jumping ability, and a solid 4.46 combined speed make him a nightmare matchup for opposing NFL receivers. Porter, lined up next to Patrick Peterson and Levi Wallace, would create a deadly cornerback trio in Pittsburgh. Porter would fit in perfectly with the Steelers system and the excrescently aggressive play of AFC North football.
The offensive line was the biggest issue for the 2022 Pittsburgh Steelers. Although the line played all 17 games together and improved throughout the season, the current offensive line cannot remain if the Steelers want to make a deep 2023 run. The tackle spot is the biggest need for Pittsburgh, for they have already signed two new guards during free agency (Nate Herbig and Isaac Seumalo).
The rumor mill is flooding with talk that the Steelers could trade up to the Top 15 and draft Ohio State tackle Paris Johnson Jr. This would most likely eliminate the Steelers’ chance at drafting Joey Porter Jr, for he is projected to be taken anywhere from the top 10 to the top 20 in the first round. Although Paris Johnson Jr. is exceptionally talented, the Steelers should look past him and draft Porter, for there are plenty of gifted tackles to choose from. Offensive tackles such as Broderick Jones (Georgia), Anton Harrison (Oklahoma), and Dawand Jones (Ohio State) are all solid options if available at pick #32.
The Steelers can travel in many directions tonight, so I advise Steeler fans to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. After tonight, the AFC will add another playoff contender. Trust me when I say: the 2023 Steelers will awaken anyone sleeping on them!
