National media outlet names the top player the Steelers should target in first round of 2023 NFL Draft
The Pittsburgh Steelers have the No. 17 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, which kicks off later this month. Pittsburgh, which closed the 2022 season by winning six of their final seven games, should be the top competition for the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC North in 2023. (The Baltimore Ravens could join the […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers have the No. 17 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, which kicks off later this month.
Pittsburgh, which closed the 2022 season by winning six of their final seven games, should be the top competition for the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC North in 2023.
(The Baltimore Ravens could join the Steelers in that conversation depending on the outcome of the Lamar Jackson situation.)
The Steelers proved late last season that they can win the AFC North. Pittsburgh finished 9-8 after splitting the season series with each of their AFC North opponents.
Pittsburgh is hoping that Kenny Pickett can take a major step forward in 2023 and have a breakout season while leading the Steelers to a division title.
For that to happen, Pickett will need his offensive line to play at a high level. That's part of the reason why ESPN NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller thinks the Steelers should target Tennessee Vols right tackle Darnell Wright with the No. 17 overall selection.
From ESPN: The Steelers' first pick is at No. 17 overall and could go in many directions. Right tackle is a clear need, and Tennessee's Darnell Wright has good value at that spot. He's a fantastic run-blocker.
Wright has seen his draft stock skyrocket over the last couple of months. The Huntington, WV native, who was a five-star recruit coming out of high school, has gone from a potential late first-round pick to a possible top-15 selection. It's far from a guarantee that he'll be available at No. 17.
But if he is, the Steelers shouldn't hesitate to draft him. Wright is a true right tackle (though he also played left tackle at times in college) who performed extremely well against stellar competition in 2022 at Tennessee.
The former Vols standout didn't give up a single sack all season, despite playing against a potential top-five pick in Alabama's Will Anderson (Anderson called Wright the best offensive lineman he played against in college) and another potential first-round pick in LSU's BJ Ojulari.
Wright has been praised for his "nasty" playing style and he has plenty of SEC experience. He would be a perfect fit for the Steelers if he falls to them in the first round.
(Wright would also be a great fit for the Cicninnati Bengals, so landing him would be extra beneficial for Pittsburgh since they'd be keeping him away from a top rival).
