The Pittsburgh Steelers could have a cornerback high on their list to draft for the upcoming event in April. Here’s who they could target in the 2023 NFL Draft.
One need that the Steelers might consider heading into this draft is cornerback. Ahkello Witherspoon and Levi Wallace did not perform to the standard that the club thought they would, and Cam Sutton is scheduled to become a free agent. There are a lot of question marks right now that could lead to this position being a focus come draft day.
Pittsburgh is not great at evaluating talent in the secondary, especially when it comes to the cornerback spot. For one reason or another, their recent selections taking defensive backs have failed for the most part. There will be some interesting options available with their top three picks in this draft, which might turn out to be one of the selections.
Honorable mentions for the Steelers to keep an eye on
Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah
Clark Phillips will be all over the board for teams as he could go anywhere from the top corner taken or waiting until the second round. His size reminds many of Roger McCreary coming out of Auburn last year. Phillips is sticky in coverage and should be able to have a great career defending the slot, even if he is undersized.
Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
Cam Smith fits the bill for what most teams are looking for in their top corners. The Steelers could use some of his position flexibility and range to their secondary right now. Smith had a great season with the Gamecocks and should hear his name called during the first two nights of the event after being projected anywhere from the first to the second round.
Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
One of the lower ceiling corners on this list, Devon Witherspoon is probably the lowest ranked out of this group. He is a sizable lanky defender that has good ability for the position. Witherspoon is said to be gaining some steam heading into the pre-draft process so he could rise into the first-round conversation or he could fall into the third round.
Kelee Ringo comes in as the third-best overall corner in the draft
Most people thought of Kelee Ringo as the top cornerback in this draft at the beginning of the season. Things have changed somewhat, and he now has caused a scrambled list for most experts covering this draft class. Ringo has unique size for a cornerback as he resembles a corner and linebacker hybrid on the field.
His slow start to the 2022 season started for a jumble at the top of this list, but he still holds a first-round grade. Ringo has the size and talent that every scout is looking for in a top cornerback. He brings some uniqueness to his game with the size that he plays at.
Some things that can get this corner into trouble at the next level would be his fluidity in transition and the speed factor. Ringo seems like he could test a smidge slower than some of these other prospects at the corner spot. With those flaws also bring along some stronger abilities in other areas of his game.
The Steelers need cornerbacks that can defend the run, especially with the issues they have in the trenches. Ringo has excelled in that area during his time in Georgia and should be able to make that transition to the NFL without much issue. He is still very young as Ringo turns 21 in June, so that will be another bonus that teams will love.
Christian Gonzalez is a prospect some love while others question
Another young cornerback coming into the NFL is Christian Gonzalez out of Oregon. He made the decision to transfer out of Colorado after his first two collegiate seasons and it led to a great year. He was able to become one of the best outside defenders in college football while he wore the Duck colors.
Gonzalez does not turn 21 years old unit late June, which will be nearing the training camp portion of the pre-season for the Steelers. He does a lot of things well and seems like a perfect cornerback going into the next level. The biggest issue is there is not too long of a track record with this player as he only had one huge year of production in college.
Tape does not lie and the ability that this defensive back showed during this past season was borderline elite. He should be able to handle the pre-draft process well and rise up draft boards as the draft gets closer. The size that Gonzalez possesses will only bring NFL scouts’ attention his way and make him a first-round player when it is all said and done. His best days of football are still in front of him with the young age that he adds to his resume.
Joey Porter Jr. is the best overall cornerback entering the draft in 2023
There are a lot of Pittsburgh connections when you look at Joey Porter Jr. and who he is. Born and raised in the Steel City led him to play at Penn State. His father is Joey Porter, who both played and coached for the Steelers at different points in his career. Junior decided that cornerback was the best spot for him on defense and it has worked out great.
A lot of conjecture will be done between now and the draft about the Steelers potentially using their first-round pick on Porter. It would make a lot of sense as the cornerback checks off a ton of boxes for what the team looks for. He has the NFL connection, he’s an underclassman coming out, and he has all the size and athleticism that you want.
Making a cornerback the top pick of the Steelers might leave some scratching their heads, but it makes some sense. They need a top guy that can cement the top corner spot for this defense in the years to come. This might not be the top need right now, but do not be shocked if Porter is the selection for the Steelers if he is still sitting there with one of their top picks.
The Steelers will have a lot of options with their first three picks in the draft come April. They could take one of these cornerbacks early if they decide that they need a stable future in the coverage department on defense.