The Pittsburgh Steelers have long been known for their tough, defensive-minded football and blue-collar mentality. However, in ESPN’s latest two-round mock draft, the Steelers have taken a bold and unexpected approach: they go all-offense in both rounds. While Pittsburgh’s defense has remained a strength, especially with key players like T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick leading the way, this new strategy suggests a shift in focus toward strengthening the offensive side of the ball.
The Steelers’ offense has been under scrutiny in recent years, particularly as quarterback play has been inconsistent and the running game has struggled. With new offensive coordinator Matt Canada’s tenure largely seen as a work in progress, this mock draft strategy indicates that Pittsburgh’s front office may be looking to build a more dynamic, explosive offense to complement its historically elite defense.
Let’s break down why the Steelers might take this direction, what they could gain from these selections, and how this all-offense approach could reshape their roster for the future.
### **Pittsburgh’s Offensive Struggles: A Growing Concern**
While Pittsburgh’s defense has been among the NFL’s best for several seasons, the offense has often been a cause for concern. After the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger following the 2021 season, the Steelers turned to rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett in 2022. Pickett, a first-round pick out of Pittsburgh, showed flashes of promise but struggled with consistency, as is common with young quarterbacks. In addition, the running game, once a hallmark of the Steelers’ offense, has been anemic, with Najee Harris unable to replicate his rookie success in subsequent seasons.
Despite the presence of talent, the offense has struggled to find rhythm under Canada’s offensive system. The 2023 season continues to reveal issues with play calling, protection, and offensive balance. While the Steelers have some solid pieces—wide receivers Diontae Johnson and George Pickens, tight end Pat Freiermuth, and a promising young offensive line—the offensive firepower and explosiveness just haven’t been there.
Thus, ESPN’s new two-round mock draft where Pittsburgh goes all-offense is an intriguing suggestion. It reflects a growing urgency to enhance the offensive unit, give Pickett the weapons he needs, and reignite a Steelers offense that has struggled to live up to the franchise’s storied history.
### **What’s in ESPN’s Mock Draft?**
In ESPN’s mock draft, the Steelers select offensive players in both rounds of the first two picks. Here’s a look at the potential players the Steelers could be targeting based on this projection:
#### **Round 1: Offensive Tackle – Paris Johnson Jr. (Ohio State)**
The Steelers’ first pick in this scenario is Paris Johnson Jr., an offensive tackle from Ohio State. Johnson is widely regarded as one of the top tackles in this class and could be a game-changer for Pittsburgh’s offensive line. With starting tackles like Dan Moore Jr. and Chukwuma Okorafor underperforming, the Steelers need a top-tier offensive lineman to protect Kenny Pickett and open up lanes for Najee Harris.
Johnson stands out as an elite prospect due to his combination of size (6’6″, 310 pounds), athleticism, and strong technical skills. He excels in both pass protection and run blocking, making him an ideal candidate to shore up Pittsburgh’s line. By selecting Johnson, the Steelers would immediately get a dynamic force capable of locking down the left tackle position for years to come.
Improving the offensive line would not only help Pickett develop but also take some pressure off Harris, allowing him to regain his explosiveness. The Steelers have invested in their defense over the past several years, but strengthening the offensive line could be the key to unlocking the potential of the entire offense.
#### **Round 2: Wide Receiver – Jalen Hyatt (Tennessee)**
In the second round, ESPN projects the Steelers to select Jalen Hyatt, a wide receiver out of Tennessee, who had a breakout season in 2022. Hyatt is a speedster (4.4-second 40-yard dash) with deep-threat ability, and he could give the Steelers’ offense a much-needed injection of explosiveness. While George Pickens has emerged as a talented young receiver, Johnson’s selection in the first round likely signals that the Steelers are intent on adding another dynamic weapon for Kenny Pickett to work with.
Hyatt’s ability to stretch the field with his deep-speed could open up opportunities for Pickens, Diontae Johnson, and Pat Freiermuth to get more favorable matchups. Pickens, in particular, thrives on contested catches and downfield routes, and pairing him with Hyatt could give Pittsburgh a lethal combination of receivers that can both stretch the field and make tough catches over the middle.
Hyatt’s speed and playmaking ability would give the Steelers’ offense a dimension it has sorely lacked in recent seasons. His selection would help balance the offense and allow Pittsburgh to compete with the more high-powered offenses in the AFC, such as the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills.
### **The Case for an All-Offense Draft Strategy**
Going all-offense in a draft may seem like an uncharacteristic move for the Steelers, but it makes sense for several reasons. Here’s why Pittsburgh could seriously consider this approach:
#### **1. Supporting Kenny Pickett’s Development:**
As a first-round quarterback, Kenny Pickett is the future of Pittsburgh’s offense. However, like any young quarterback, he needs support around him. The Steelers have shown faith in Pickett by making him their starter, but the team must provide him with the necessary weapons to thrive. An upgraded offensive line and another dynamic receiver could make a world of difference in Pickett’s development. With more time in the pocket and a stronger receiving corps, Pickett could take the next step and become the franchise quarterback Pittsburgh has been looking for since Roethlisberger’s retirement.
#### **2. Improving the Running Game:**
The Steelers’ running game has been inconsistent, despite Najee Harris’ immense talent. Much of the blame falls on the offensive line, which has been inconsistent in both run blocking and pass protection. By investing in an elite offensive tackle like Paris Johnson Jr., the Steelers can help Harris get back to his rookie form. A strong running game is crucial in Pittsburgh’s offensive identity, and improving the offensive line would give Harris more opportunities to break through the line and make big plays.
#### **3. A Balanced Offense:**
The Steelers have typically been a defensive-oriented team, but the modern NFL is becoming more offensive-driven. The AFC, in particular, features a number of high-octane offenses, and Pittsburgh must be able to keep pace. By going all-offense in the draft, the Steelers would be addressing a critical weakness and ensuring that they have a more balanced and explosive unit. With more weapons on offense, Pittsburgh could compete in a more balanced way against the top teams in the conference.
### **Conclusion: A Risk Worth Taking?**
While it’s still unclear how the 2023 draft will unfold, ESPN’s mock draft suggests a compelling direction for the Pittsburgh Steelers: an all-offense approach aimed at revitalizing the offense and supporting Kenny Pickett’s development. If the Steelers can land Paris Johnson Jr. and Jalen Hyatt, they could build a more dynamic and explosive unit that complements their elite defense. Pittsburgh’s defensive prowess is well established, but it’s clear that to compete for championships in the modern NFL, the Steelers will need an offense that can consistently put points on the board. This all-offense strategy may be exactly what the team needs to take the next step in its rebuild and return to prominence.
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