The Steelers played it safe in the first round by selecting Kenny Pickett, but there is plenty of talent to be had on day 2. Here are 5 players fans should hope they take on Friday.
The Steelers did exactly what most fans and draft analysts thought they would with their first-round pick: they selected their next franchise QB.
Kenny Pickett would not have been my pick, but it makes sense. He has arguably the highest floor in the class and the Steelers have gotten to watch him develop into the player he has become.
Luckily for Pittsburgh, plenty of talented players fell out of the first that could be impactful as rookies. With a need at receiver, secondary, and defensive line, there are guys at all those positions that could be great value on day 2. Let’s start with a player who could be the Steelers next great defensive lineman.
Steelers could select DT Travis Jones
Travis Jones is the highest-rated defensive lineman left in the draft, and it was a bit surprising to me that he made it out of the first round. If you liked Jordan Davis out of Georgia, Jones is a similar player that is more polished as a pass rusher but not quite as big.
With Tyson Alualu and Cam Heyward getting older and the uncertainty surrounding Stephon Tuitt, the Steelers can’t afford to ignore the middle of their defense. He may not have a big role as a rookie, but he would be fantastic as a rotational player this year and could take over for Alualu in 2023.
They may need to move up from 52 to get him, but it would be well worth it.