Steelers must watch these edge rushers for the 2023 NFL Draft

The Steelers are in desperate need at quality depth behind their starters, so watch out for some edge rushers this year.

Draft coverage should be starting to get much more attention as the Steelers seemingly called it quits on the 2022 season. They dealt one of their best receivers away before the trade deadline with Chase Claypool being shipped to Chicago. That deal saw Pittsburgh get a great value second round pick in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft.

That should open the door for two quality prospects to be available for the black and gold to pick from early on day two of the draft. Outside linebacker continues to struggle with their depth behind their two starters. That should be the focus heading into the offseason with a hopeful resolution to this depth concern being brought to light.

Will Anderson is the top dog at the edge position this draft

This Alabama standout is expected to still go in the top five of the upcoming draft. He has game changing abilities at the edge position, which will attract many teams. He has slid back some on his production from last season, but he is still young and has a lot of football left this year to show the scouts what he is all about. The Steelers will consider Anderson if he is still available, but the needs at other positions might cause them to select someone else.

Myles Murphy could be an interesting option for the Steelers

Another junior enters the fold as Myles Murphy is currently on pace for his best season yet. He is a big guy that has excellent athletic ability with the kind of size that he plays at. Murphy might not fit the exact scheme that the Steelers normally run, but he could make that transition. He is currently rising on draft boards and should be able to have solid test scores at the combine which will continue his ascension.

Isaiah Foskey could be an interesting option if he makes it to round two

Junior edge rushers are going to be popular this year as Isaiah Foskey brings both potential and immediate impact to his next team. He could be an interesting option for the Steelers if he falls to the second round of the draft. He is currently on pace for his best season yet at Notre Dame as the rest of his team is having an off year. Out of the top edge rushers listed above him, Foskey might be the best overall player and the one that fits the Steelers defense the best.

Honorable mentions for the Steelers to keep an eye on

Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia

The Bulldogs are gonna miss one of their top defensive players as Nolan Smith will be out for the remainder of the year with a pec injury. He is a slender pass rusher that still needs to be more productive, which will hopefully happen at the next level. Smith could be a good gamble for the Steelers on day two of the draft as they do not need him to make an immediate impact behind the starters in his rookie year.

Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Kansas State

Last season was the breakout performance by Felix Anudike-Uzomah, but this year is the explosion. He has been able to start off strong in his final collegiate season after tacking on an impressive pass rush sheet last time around. Anudike-Uzomah might not be a finished product, but he is a willing learner that already has a couple of successful pass rush moves in his toolbox. This Junior fits what the Steelers look for, and he would be a great addition on day two of the draft.

B.J. Ojulari, EDGE, LSU

Many Juniors are some of the most interesting prospects at the edge position and B.J. Ojulari should be one that considers staying in school. If not, he may be a late day two prospect when it is all said and done. He has all the tools that can make him great, but Ojulari would be a project coming out of the draft. This year has been a disappointment for LSU as a whole and this player has not added to the stat department as he had hoped for.

The Steelers could be in need of some help on the edge behind their two starters. This position could be a day two target as long as the draft board falls a certain way for Pittsburgh.