3 Most Likely Steelers Draft Targets With the 17th Overall Pick

The Pittsburgh Steelers came close to securing their third straight playoff berth this past season, but ultimately fell short despite finishing with a winning record (9-8). The pieces are in place to make some noise in the AFC North in 2023, though, and the upcoming NFL Draft presents an opportunity to address the weaknesses on the roster.

The Steelers have a number of ways they could go with the 17th overall pick, including trading up for a top talent or down to acquire more draft capital. No matter what, it's important for the front office to grab a playmaker. Here's a look at three of the most likely draft targets for Pittsburgh at No. 17 overall.

Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 NFL Draft

1. Broderick Jones, OL (Georgia)

The Steelers are going to be in the market for a top offensive tackle after Dan Moore Jr. and Chukwuma Okorafor failed to show much upside in 2022. The two combined to give up 10.0 sacks and draw 14 penalties. The only problem is that Peter Skoronski and Paris Johnson Jr. will likely be off the board by the time the 17th pick rolls around. That leaves Broderick Jones as the next best option. Jones started 15 games for the national champion Bulldogs this past season and didn't allow a single sack. He was able to handle defensive linemen stunts by relying on his balance and pushed opponents back using his strength. Jones has the intangibles needed to be a starter right away.

2. Jordan Addison, WR (USC)

This offseason's free-agent class is notably weak at wide receiver, which makes the idea of reaching for Jordan Addison seem much more likely for the Steelers. Addison showcased an insane connection with quarterback Kenny Pickett across two college seasons at Pittsburgh. The two linked up 160 times for 2,259 yards and 21 touchdowns. Addison then transferred to USC for the 2022 season and logged 875 yards and 8 touchdowns on 59 receptions. The 20-year-old's production speaks for itself as Addison is praised for his elite speed and ability to change directions on a dime. The Steelers could create a dangerous WR trio by lining Addison up alongside Diontae Johnson and George Pickens.

3. Joey Porter Jr., CB (Penn State)

Pittsburgh is going to have to upgrade its secondary if it wants any chance at shutting down the passing attacks of its division rivals next year. That remains true whether cornerback Cameron Sutton re-signs with the team or not. The Steelers may get lucky and have Joey Porter Jr. fall right into their laps at No. 17 overall. Porter made a name for himself this past season after logging 6 pass breakups in Penn State's first game. He was then avoided in pass coverage by most opposing quarterbacks for the rest of the season. The young CB has the frame (6-foot-2, 195 pounds) to play physical against big receivers and the length to contest deep balls down the field.

Larry Rupp is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Larry Rupp also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username phillyfan424. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.