ESPN names the player that's a perfect fit for the Steelers in round one
The Pittsburgh Steelers have the No. 17 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft that kicks off in less than a week. On Friday, ESPN draft expert Matt Miller pointed out the draft selection that "has to happen" for the Steelers in the first round. And it involves a player that's generated a lot of […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers have the No. 17 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft that kicks off in less than a week.
On Friday, ESPN draft expert Matt Miller pointed out the draft selection that "has to happen" for the Steelers in the first round.
And it involves a player that's generated a lot of draft hype over the last couple of months.
Miller thinks Tennessee Vols offensive tackle Darnell Wright is a perfect fit for the Steelers at No. 17 overall. Wright, who is from nearby West Virginia, is a former five-star recruit who didn't allow a sack in 2022 despite playing a tough SEC schedule.
From ESPN: Darnell Wright to the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 17 overall. The Steelers haven't invested early-round picks in the offensive line and it's showing. Right tackle is at the top of my needs list for them. Tennessee's Wright, the best right tackle in the class, fits Pittsburgh perfectly with his toughness in the run game and mobility to protect the quarterback in passing situations.
Wright truly is a perfect fit for the Steelers. For starters, he's from a few hours away in Huntington, WV, so he's a good geographical fit. More importantly, Wright has a "put his head down and go to work" approach to the game that's a great fit for a Mike Tomlin-coached team. He's relentless, has a "nasty" attitude on the field, and never takes plays off.
The former Vol held up well against some of the nation's top competition last season. Wright held Alabama's Will Anderson, a likely top-five pick in next week's draft, to zero sacks in Tennessee's win over the Crimson Tide. He also held LSU's BJ Ojulari, another possible early-round pick, to zero sacks this past season.
Pittsburgh likely wouldn't pass on Wright if he's there at No. 17. The only problem is that another team — possibly the New England Patriots at No. 14 — could scoop up Wright earlier in the first round. The Steelers will hope that doesn't prove to be the case.
