The Steelers Stacked Roster Has the Luxury Of Competition
Jan 1, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) shake hands after the team scores the game-winning touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports
Every year, Pittsburgh Steelers fans have a reason to be cautiously optimistic after draft weekend. They are conditioned by history to be confident in the late-round steals. Typically the Steelers enter each season with a great deal of upside on the roster.
Unlike many teams that rise and fall in the power rankings from year to year, the Steelers typically reside in the upper half. Although they have some holes on the roster each year, with Big Ben at quarterback, the potential for greatness never seemed out of reach.
Thus, the Steelers were able to draft players with high ceilings rather than grasping for Day 1 starters. For years, players like Artie Burns, Terrell Edmunds, and, laughably, TJ Watt were considered surprises when their name was read aloud on opening night of the draft. But in the past two years, the tune has changed. Kenny Pickett and George Pickens were clearly going to have major roles in their rookie year, albeit with a slight delay. This year, the Steelers have managed to toe that line even more skillfully. Broderick Jones, who some consider to still be a raw talent, is also touted by some as the best left tackle of the class.
This is something new. Joey Porter Jr, under the mentorship of Patrick Peterson, should find himself a premier press corner in the league. Of course, there is Keanu Benton, who will sit behind Cameron Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi, next to Demarvin Leal. Porter is likely to be game-ready for Week 1. Fans are excited and surprised by the production of young talent. No one expected Chase Claypool to have 11 touchdowns in his rookie season (he did!), just as no one expected Artie Burns to be a lockdown corner his first year (he was not).
Steeler Nation now has every reason to expect their first three draft picks this year will make a splash, Thanks to the savvy maneuvering of Andy Wiedl and Omar Khan. The pressure is on, but it’s reasonable. The Steelers, in just three months, have truly built the Pickett Fence, adding the final board on Thursday night of the draft. Yes, Broderick Jones’ upside is massive, by all accounts. Even if he doesn’t step in as a Day 1 starter, competition in the offensive line room is essential. It’s reasonable to expect that Kenny’s backside is now covered, no matter the specific grouping of the offensive line.
The Steelers have managed to support the youth in the room by parting together a group of savvy veterans who can show their less-experienced counterparts how to win. It’s a luxury teams like the Houston Texans don’t have, and one teams like the Philadelphia Eagles do. There’s tremendous advantage in bringing in top prospects who are expected to be Day 1 starters, but not by default. They’ll have to work for it against the depth players in their position group.
Kenny Pickett was the heir apparent in 2022, yet he was third on the depth chart during training camp. Dan Moore Jr. isn’t packing his bags; as a result, Broderick Jones must prove himself. Levi Wallace and Patrick Peterson are a legit tandem, although certainly not ideal. Thus, Peezy Jr. will not be able to rest on his laurels as he straps up at St. Vincent’s College.
This dynamic brings new meaning to the well-worn phrase, “The Steelers don’t rebuild, they reload.” With a level of depth that hasn’t been seen in Pittsburgh since 2016, the Steelers are built to go – and go now. Young on offense, with vets sprinkled in, the Steelers can afford to an expensive that justifies the cost and still expect high level production on offense. It’s a combination the likes of which hasn’t been seen in Pittsburgh since the Killer Bs dissolved.
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