6 unlikely players I want the Pittsburgh Steelers to take in the 2023 NFL Draft

2. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

The only slam-dunk first-round pick on this list, if you haven’t watched Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s tape from 2021, do yourself a favor and put it on. You’ll find a natural route runner with good hands and the ability to make big plays. Had he put up film similar to that last year, he would likely be a top-ten pick.

Despite struggling with injuries last season, Smith-Njigba is still the best receiver in this class and would be a huge upgrade for the Steelers as a slot receiver. While he can play outside as well, and likely will in the NFL, he is best in the slot given his ability to get open and gain yards after the catch.

While it looked like the Steelers would be adding a receiver to this room during the draft, that seems less likely now. The Robinson trade gives this team four secure receivers and the inherent need isn’t there. Even before that trade, the team wasn’t going to take a receiver in the first round, which is where Smith-Njigba will end up going.

He would have been a fun addition to this offense regardless though, as he would have provided a capable slot receiver with the potential to become an elite player in the league. The lack of a need keeps him off the team, but he would have been a fun fit regardless.