Steelers seem to be setting themselves up for one of two positions at pick 17

Every year around this time, we seem to learn a lot of telling information about Pittsburgh's plan for the NFL Draft. Following the 2022 season, Pittsburgh's needs were pretty clearly defined, as they had several major talent shortages at positions like linebacker, safety, cornerback, and offensive tackle. Just a few days into the 2023 free agency period, things are becoming increasingly clear.

At first, fans wondered if the Steelers were going to make a splash at all. After the first few hours of free agency, it appeared that Pittsburgh had let Cameron Sutton slip through their fingers and all was quiet on their front. That didn't last long.

Omar Khan made Patrick Peterson his first official free agent signing and followed up the move for a veteran cornerback by signing offensive guard Nate Herbig and linebacker Cole Holcomb. In addition to these moves, the Steelers have a few of their own returning on multi-year deals with both DT Larry Ogunjobi and S Damontae Kazee coming back. They also swapped LB Myles Jack for Elandon Roberts.

While we may not agree with every decision this franchise has made so far during the first several days of free agency, the fact that they are filling some major holes tells us a few things.

Steelers could be targeting CB or OT at pick 17

Judging by the consensus big board and the way the talent could fall this year, I've been pretty adamant about targeting a cornerback or offensive tackle in the first round for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now it appears that this could be exactly what they do.

After covering their bases at linebacker, defensive tackle, interior offensive line, and safety, this seems very likely with the 17th overall pick. Though the Steelers did sign a former All-Pro cornerback in Peterson to a two-year deal, it's essentially a one-year deal with the option to get out of the contract as Peterson will be 34 years old before the start of the 2024 season.

The mean age of the top five cornerbacks on Pittsburgh's roster will be 29 years old come training camp, and they have no young up-and-comers to develop or build around. I think the Steelers will still view CB as a top priority as they could look for someone to take the reigns at the position for the long haul.

In addition to cornerback, I wouldn't rule out offensive tackle for the Steelers as early as the 17th overall pick. Mike Tomlin and his brass met with 21 offensive linemen at the NFL Combine -- including formal visits with top tackle prospects Paris Johnson Jr., Broderick Jones, and Peter Skoronski.

It's also worth noting that the Steelers only have two tackles on the roster right now who haven't hit free agency, and both Dan Moore and Chukwuma Okorafor were a bit underwhelming last year. The Steelers could finally address one of the NFL's most premium positions in round one.

Obviously, there's always a chance they could stray from this, but as of now, it certainly looks like the talent and need could be lining up for the Pittsburgh Steelers to target a cornerback or offensive tackle with the 17th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.