A foolproof plan for Steelers to improve the OL in 2023
By Andrew Falce
How the Steelers should attack the draft
The Steelers have three picks during the first two rounds in thanks to the Chase Claypool trade with the Bears. This gives them a lot of flexibility in terms of what direction they go with their top pick. While getting a capable linemen would still make sense, it isn’t a must since there is only one spot still lacking at this point.
With their first pick, the team should be considering two legitimate options: Peter Skoronski or Paris Johnson. While both are listed as tackles, either could kick inside if needed to guard. This gives the team flexibility based on what they do in free agency, as Johnson or Skoronski can wear multiple hats as a player.
In Skoronski’s case, I think he will carve out a better career as a guard over a tackle. He is a tad short for tackle play and his arms don’t seem that long. That said, he is a great technician as a lineman and would be a great addition in the first round.
The team can also bypass the offensive line in the first round if need be for one of their other positions of need. O’Cyrus Torrence is a mountain of a man and would make sense atop of the second round.
From there, the team could still address their line with their second pick in the second round. This opens them to the next wave of tackles like Darnell Wright and Jaelyn Duncan. Emil Ekiyor has some intrigue out of Alabama, and even a center like John Michael Schmitz or Luke Wypler would be a logical addition.
Finally, the Steelers could look to double-dip in the draft and add another lineman late who can develop into a backup. The team can’t afford to use all of their top picks on linemen but adding one key starter and another depth piece would be a big win.