Top 12 Sleepers for Steelers heading into the 2023 NFL Draft

Stanford Cardinal cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (17)
Stanford Cardinal cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (17) / Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 12
Next

7. Carter Warren, OT, Pittsburgh

It seems like the Steelers are either going to land a top tackle with their first two picks or they are going to pass entirely. While taking another mid-late-round tackle seems like a waste given the need for an elite tackle, Carter Warren could sway me. From being the left tackle for Kenny Pickett to having great size and length at tackle, he has potential.

Warren is a very developed blocker that can hold his own. He handles toolsy pass rushers well with a variety of counter moves and is hard to get around because of his length. He does well in space, as he can move around and take on blockers at the second level. For a later-round prospect, his overall game doesn’t have many flaws from a pass-protection standpoint.

Warren does have some deficiencies as a run defender. His play strength isn’t quite there and he can get pushed back against stronger players. He also has a lot of injury concerns that plagued him in school. For a mid-late round flyer though, Warren could be a serviceable left tackle with the potential to grow into a great one. If the team misses out on the top prospects, Warren could be a fine consolation prize for the offense.