3 reasons Steelers should steer clear of Jordan Addison at pick 17

Jordan Addison is a name that is very well known around the Pittsburgh fanbase. The former Pitt Panther was a star in 2021 when Kenny Pickett was at the helm as he earned a remarkable 100 catches for 1,593 yards and 17 touchdowns as a receiver.

In 2022, Addison transfered to USC to play with HC Lincoln Riley and QB Caleb Williams, but he was often banged up and didn't yield the same results. Despite his departure for a Pac-12 team last season, Addison's connection to Pickett and the city of Pittsburgh make him a candidate the Steelers fans have fixated on early in the draft process.

Most NFL Draft analysts believe that the savvy wide receiver is slated to go in the middle of the first round of the 2023 draft, and the Steelers happen to hold the 17th overall selection. However, I would argue that Pittsburgh should steer clear of Addison on draft day. Here are the three biggest reasons why.

3. Steelers would be ignoring more pressing needs

It's clear that the Steelers have a plethora of needs to address this offseason, so it's hard to get behind taking another skill player this early in the draft. Over the past two years alone, Pittsburgh has spent resources attaining Najee Harris, Pat Freiermuth, and George Pickens in the NFL Draft.

Each of these players has shown some promise early in their NFL careers, but the best should be yet to come. If Diontae Johnson can turn things around in 2023 and with Calvin Austin returning from IR, are there really going to be enough mouths to feed?

For a team that has ignored the offensive trenches and the interior defensive line more than any team in the league over the past decade, can the Steelers really afford to shy away from such important positions once again? This doesn't even include a talent shortage at a premier position like a cornerback. I simply don't think Pittsburgh has the luxury of throwing the 17th overall pick at a receiver under the circumstances.