Who are the Steelers most likely to draft early on Day 2?

After an action-packed Round 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft, we barely have time to let our emotions settle before Pittsburgh Steelers are on the clock to begin Day 2. Omar Khan traded up with the Patriots to secure OT Broderick Jones with the 14th overall pick.

Now that the tackle position is taken care of, the Steelers can take advantage of some excellent talent that fell out of the first round. The question now becomes: do they take the best available player or do they trade back from pick 32?

Honestly, a trade-back seems likely. Pittsburgh has been on the phone with teams since before the first round officially ended. Now ESPN's Jeremy Fowler claims that there are four teams trying to move up to pick 32 (supposedly for Kentucky QB Will Levis).

While it's hard to predict exactly what will happen in a potential trade, we do know the players that the Steelers love, based on their pre-draft interests. Here's an updated look at the available players who check the most pre-draft visit boxes:

Based on my charting, Broderick Jones was the second overall name on my list of Steelers biggest interests entering the 2023 NFL Draft (behind only Paris Johnson Jr. who went 6th overall). Jones was one of just two players this year to have Mike Tomlin and Khan at his Pro Day, earn a pre-draft visit, and have a formal meeting with the Steelers at the NFL Combine.

Who will Steelers target on Day 2?

Based on the interest chart, Penn State cornerback, Joey Porter Jr., is a clear frontrunner to be the selection if the Steelers stand pat with pick 32. Porter was the most frequently mocked player to Pittsburgh this year, and it wasn't hard to see why. Porter was also a name the team may have considered in the first round.

After Porter, we would have to assume that Alabama DB Brian Branch will also be in contention for the pick to open Day 2. Branch fills a need with his versatility in the secondary, and Pittsburgh's brass was at his Pro Day.

Other notable names that the Steelers could target at some point today include players like LB Trenton Simpson, TE Darnell Washington, CB Kelee Ringo, CB Tyrique Stevenson, IOL Steve Avila, and DT Keeanu Benton.

Fans will be on the edge of their seats to see what the Pittsburgh Steelers ultimately decide to do with the 32nd overall selection. The board is laying out well for them so far, and they should be able to land some quality players on Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft.