NFL reporter names two potential Pittsburgh Steelers draft targets with 17th pick

The Pittsburgh Steelers went into the offseason looking to make enough additions to turn things around after missing the playoffs for the third time in five years. With the 2023 NFL Draft imminent, there is more clarity on what Pittsburgh will do on draft night.

Led by general manager Omar Khan and head coach Mike Tomlin, the Steelers will be picking 17th overall on Thursday night. While it means there is a very small chance of Pittsburgh landing one of the few blue-chip talents in the 2023 draft class, there are opportunities to address one of several needs with a young player who is ready to start immediately.

Following some recent NFL Draft rumors suggesting Pittsburgh could trade up, it now appears more likely the franchise will stay put. If they keep the 17th pick, one NFL insider has provided some clarity on who the Steelers might pick on Thursday.

Peter King of NBC Sports wrote that he wouldn’t be surprised if the Steelers were seriously considering using a top pick on a wide receiver, such as Jaxon Smith-Njigba. He also noted that cornerback is a top priority for Pittsburgh, with Maryland’s Deonte Banks a potential target.

Ultimately, King projected the Steelers would take Smith-Njigba in his final mock draft. It would provide Pittsburgh with a trio of impact receivers who are all under contract through 2024, with Diontae Johnson and George Pickens rounding out the starters.

From our perspective, it would be a bit surprising if Pittsburgh used its first-round pick on a wide receiver. It signed Johnson to a contract extension in August 2022 and Pickens was selected 52nd overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.

If Pittsburgh is going to use its top pick to improve the offense, upgrading at offensive tackle makes more sense. According to Pro Football Focus, the Steelers allowed 138 pressures and 96 hurries last season and both offensive tackle spots were the biggest weaknesses.

Cornerback is a reasonable target for the organization, especially depending on who is available. While Patrick Peterson signed in NFL free agency and will be the No.1. cornerback, the Steelers’ pass defense needs more talent and athleticism in the secondary.

Whether the Steelers take an offensive tackle, cornerback or wide receiver with the 17th overall pick, confidence in the team’s outlook for the 2023 NFL season is on the rise. With Pittsburgh also holding the 32nd overall pick, it should be able to land two players with first-ground grades off its draft board.