With each passing day, we are starting to learn more about the Pittsburgh Steelers intentions early in the 2023 NFL Draft. Now that the rush of free agency is behind us, positions of need are becoming increasingly clear, and recently scheduled visits are shedding even more light on what the team intends to do this April.
As we inch closer to the draft, one big name has essentially been crossed off the list of potential first-round candidates for Pittsburgh, while there is still hope to land a Pitt product. Here's the latest Steelers news.
Steelers news:
Yesterday, there was a heavy slate of Pro Days on the NFL calendar. In fact, 11 teams held their Pro Days with numerous representatives from across the league showing up. Some of the biggest included LSU, Maryland, Pitt, Washington, and Arkansas. To the surprise of many, Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan weren't spotted.
Maryland cornerback Deonte Banks is a player who has often been mocked to the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 17th overall pick, but Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan were no-shows. Historically, when Pittsburgh doesn't send their HC/GM to a team's pro day, it means they are very unlikely to become their first-round pick. This is a trend that has held true dating all the way back to at least 2010.
Despite their need for a cornerback, it looks like the Steelers could be out on Deonte Banks (barring new trends with a new head in the front office). Based on history, banks would still technically be in play with the 32nd overall pick if he happens to make it that far.
More Steelers news:
In addition to Maryland holding its Pro Day on Wednesday, Pitt also had a packed house for their Pro Day. While Tomlin and Khan didn't show up for this event in their own backyard, there were a handful of representatives -- including assistant GM Andy Weidl, Joe Rutter of TribLIVE reports. Other representatives on hand included Grady Brown, Dave Pettit, Eddie Faulkner, and Frisman Jackson, as well as Sheldon White, Dave Pettit, and Casey Weidl.
Steelers assistant GM Andy Weidl among team’s reps here at Pitt pro day. Pro scouting director Sheldon White is here as well.
— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) March 29, 2023
Pitt's top prospect this year is undersized defensive lineman, Calijah Kancey. With terrific college production and elite pass-rush ability, Kancey could go in the back half of the first round (though he may not be a great scheme fit for the Steelers).
Other notable NFL Draft candidates on hand at Pitt's Pro Day included RB Israel Abanikanda, OL Carter Warren, EDGE Habakkuk Baldonado, LB SirVocea Dennis, and WR Jared Wayne.