10 Bold Predictions for the 2023 Pittsburgh Steelers
Kenny Pickett Starts All 17 Games
In 2022, after taking over the starting quarterback job, Kenny Pickett left two games early after suffering what appeared to be concussions. Even though the offensive line took significant steps forward as the season went on, the Steelers coaching staff and front office were clearly unsatisfied with their performance. They went out and signed two new guards, one of whom will most likely take over as the starting left guard, and spent their first-round pick on what should be the starting left tackle of the future.
With that in mind, I expect Kenny Pickett to start all 17 regular games for the Steelers in 2023. Aside from making investments along the offensive line and drafting an excellent blocking tight end in Darnell Washington, Pittsburgh maintained continuity on the staff and with their offensive playmakers.
Trading for Allen Robinson to take over as the new slot receiver should further help Pickett by providing him with a reliable slot receiver that can win over the middle. They also won’t be making wholesale changes to the scheme, as they project to remain a run-heavy team as they don’t want to put too much on Pickett’s shoulders too quickly.
Finally, there is the element of Pickett maturing as an NFL player and quarterback. This isn’t to say that he has “grown out” of the ability to suffer concussions or injuries in general. But with half a season of starts under his belt and an entire offseason as QB1, Pickett should have a much better grasp on the speed of the NFL and the offense he is operating.
Therefore, there should be fewer instances where defenses get a free runner at Pickett because someone messed up the protection. He should also have a quicker, more reliable clock in his head of when to throw the ball away and save himself from getting pummeled.
Three Rookies Become Full-Time Starters Before Bye Week
The Steelers are somewhat notorious for slow-playing their rookies and giving deference to veterans. But there is a very distinct possibility all three of their first picks from the 2023 NFL Draft end up winning the starting gigs before the Week 6 bye week.
The most likely one is Joey Porter Jr. Porter should be the starting outside cornerback across from Patrick Peterson come Week 1. Even though Levi Wallace is coming off a strong first season with Pittsburgh, Porter offers better speed and much better length than Wallace. Furthermore, they could deploy a package with Porter and Wallace as the outside corners and Peterson as the slot corner.
The next most likely is the Steelers’ second second-round pick, Keeanu Benton. Benton will be competing for snaps at the nose tackle position with Montravius Adams and Breiden Fehoko. Both of these players are veterans in the NFL but relatively journeymen who have bounced around teams. While Benton needs further development, he offers tremendous upside as both a run-stopper and a pass-rusher. Furthermore, in this “starting” role, he really only needs to start on two downs, as Cam Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi will be the primary interior defensive linemen in the Steelers’ nickel package.
Ironically, the least likely of these rookies to start was the Steelers’ first pick, Broderick Jones.
Jones was drafted to be the long-term replacement for Dan Moore Jr. at left tackle. Moore has been an average starting left tackle over the last two seasons. But reports indicate that he performed very well at OTAs and mini-camp. If he can maintain that level of performance in training camp and preseason, perhaps he can hold onto the starting gig.
With all that being said, here are the three opponents that Moore would have to match up against to start the regular season: Nick Bosa, Myles Garrett, and Maxx Crosby. All three players are in the conversation for the best edge rusher in the NFL. Therefore, if Moore struggles against those players, could he be on a short leash with Jones waiting in the wings? Again, the Steelers are known for being patient, but they could be anxious to get Jones some live reps.