Pittsburgh does not have to wait as long as the past couple of years. Even though their overall selection is closer to the start rather than the beginning of the draft, it will seemingly take forever. The Steelers hold the 17th overall selection in the 2023 NFL draft, and it is going to take a lot of time full of anticipation to get there.
Normally, this club likes to wait until their selection to make their pick, instead of looking into trade routes. Trade ups and downs have happened in the past, and do not be shocked if this new management group decides to go in that direction. There are plenty of clubs in front of the black and gold that could take a prospect that Pittsburgh covets in this draft class.
Washington Commanders could play spoiler one pick before Pittsburgh
Plenty of fans have seen their favorite prospect in that draft go just one pick before the Steelers were up. Cincinnati notoriously did it with William Jackson III in the 2016 NFL draft, which led to Pittsburgh taking Artie Burns one pick after. Even though Washington does not possess a bunch of similarities as the black in gold in terms of need, they do pose a threat at cornerback.
Joey Porter Jr. is someone that has been heavily linked to the steel city and for good reason. The Commanders have shown a chunk of interest in Porter during the pre-draft process. Depending on how the first round shakes out, it is possible that this cornerback would be the best player left on the board. Many might not be cheering for this Penn State product to be the top pick now, but he could be if a scenario plays out like this.