Steelers Are Four Rounds Away From Perfect NFL Draft
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't just get their franchise left tackle, but they got the left tackle with the most upside in the 2023 NFL Draft.
They didn't just get Joey Porter Jr., son of the great Joey Porter, but they got Joey Porter Jr., who now has a chip on his shoulder.
"Last night, I was mad. I had the edge on me," Porter said after falling out of the first round. "This is a perfect way to end my day right here. I just forgot all about last night and shoot, I'm ready. I got a chip on my shoulder. I'm trying to prove myself."
And they didn't land Keeanu Benton or Darnell Washington. They landed Keeanue Benton and Darnell Washington much later than anyone could have anticipated - even after the board shook out like it did.
The Steelers, so far, have put together a draft - the first of Omar Khan's career as a general manager - that fills four needs. They have a left tackle who could turn into the biggest offensive line star this team has had since Maurkice Pouncey, held strong with the 32nd pick and selected a cornerback many believed would be their selection 13 picks earlier, and then found a starting nose tackle who could play all three defensive line positions, and a 6'7" tight end who has endless capability - with the 93rd pick.
To say the Steelers have had a successful draft is an understatement. There was a list of needs coming into the draft - highlighted by offensive tackle, cornerback, defensive line and help for Kenny Pickett - and have checked all four off with expected first or second-round options.
All while giving up 12 spots in the fourth round.
Now, they have to finish it off. They still need an edge rusher and possibly a wide receiver. Inside linebacker has to be on their list somewhere, and interior offensive linemen have been all over their radar throughout the draft process.
No team can ever have enough capable defenders, so double-dipping at cornerback is certainly on the board. And if they finish it all off by adding their next backup quarterback, that's a win.
Four rounds and three picks. That's what the Steelers have left in the 2023 NFL Draft. And if they can finish as strong as they started, they walk away from the first draft of the Khan era with one of the most impressive hauls of the team's history.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are four rounds away from the perfect NFL Draft.
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