If there's one thing fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers can agree on, it's that the team still has plenty of needs to address, even after what seems to be a successful start to free agency and the new league year. It certainly has set up the organization in a much better position as the 2023 NFL Draft approaches. As of now, the franchise lacks both fifth and sixth round picks, so an aggressive free agency was much needed. The most important addition of the offseason, however, may not even be on the team yet.
Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin roams the sidelines prior to a 2021 regular season game against the Buffalo Bills. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Losing cornerback, Cameron Sutton to the Detroit Lions was a big blow for Pittsburgh, but it was softened when veteran and three-time All-Pro, Patrick Peterson agreed to a two-year deal. That doesn't mean the cornerback room should be ignored in April's draft, though, as Levi Wallace, Ahkello Witherspoon, James Pierre and Arthur Maulet don't exactly help make up the sexiest positional group in the NFL.
This draft class is being lauded as one of the best in years when it comes to the cornerbacks. It's a legitimate possibility that four and maybe even more are taken in round one. The most popular name linked to the Steelers has been Penn State's, Joey Porter Jr. who, of course, has family ties to the organization.
Pittsburgh was tied for the most interceptions in NFL during the 2022 season and while not all came from cornerbacks, the eye test tells us that they were productive enough to not put their jobs in jeopardy for 2023. However, the lack of consistency and poor tackling, combined with allowing the second most passing touchdowns in the league is the reason why the unit needs a better solution going forward.
Steelers cornerback, Levi Wallace (#29) lurks before a snap at Acrisure Stadium during a preseason game in 2022. | PHOTO CREDIT: JORDAN SCHOFIELD/STEELERNATION (@JSKO_PHOTO TWITTER)
It's quite possible that a key piece to the Steelers defense isn't even with the team yet. Whether a cornerback is selected on day one or two, it can be expected that the draft pick will have a chance to compete for a starting spot immediately. Pittsburgh has other options early like safety as well as the offensive and defensive lines, but the cornerback room arguably has the least amount of overall talent right now.
If the right guy is selected, fans can hope for a new member of the secondary to have the same kind of effect that Ahmad 'Sauce' Gardner had for the New York Jets in 2022. He didn't come down with any interceptions (which can be looked at as an overrated stat, anyway), but won AP Defensive Rookie of the Year honors for his shutdown ability.
It'll be important to nail the draft and bring in multiple rookies who are able to make an impact, but without a shut down corner, AFC teams like the Cincinnati Bengals will destroy the Steelers with an aerial assault. It's not an option to get the selection wrong when it comes to the position as the franchise has failed in this area time and time again in the 21st century.
Former Steelers' general manager, Kevin Colbert (left) and head coach, Mike Tomlin (right) watch a practice in Pittsburgh, PA. | Photo Credit: Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers Have The Opportunity To Explode Into A Top 5 Defense In 2023 With The Right Cornerback Selection
Sure, you could argue any position could make a difference for the 2023 Steelers, but cornerback seems like a huge need, especially due to Peterson's age and the fact that he is the only current player under contract for 2024. With the right pick early in the draft, Pittsburgh could completely change the course of the 2023 defense and team as a whole.
Do you think Pittsburgh's most important offseason addition isn't even on the team yet? Let us know in the comments below!
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