Offensive Strong AFC North Pushes Steelers And Ravens Into Fight Over 2023 NFL Draft Prospects

The Pittsburgh Steelers currently hold the 17th and 32nd overall picks (among others) in the 2023 NFL Draft. Thanks to a trade deadline deal with the Chicago Bears, Chase Claypool being moved brought in a second round pick to the Steel City. The franchise's rival, the Baltimore Ravens have one selection in the top 32 (#22) as of early March, but that could change if the team decides to trade star quarterback, Lamar Jackson for a haul of picks. One thing that is clear is the two organizations both need help at the cornerback position and could be competing to select the 'right' one.

According to Pro Football Network, cornerback is one of the top needs for both teams. With an incredibly deep class as far as the position goes, it's not necessarily a matter of if the franchises select one, but a matter of getting the right one. That hasn't been one of Pittsburgh's strengths over the years.

The first intriguing player to keep an eye on will be Joey Porter Jr., son of the Steelers' legendary linebacker. He has consistently been mocked to both Pittsburgh and Baltimore and is likely to be in play at #17. The question is whether he is the top cornerback on general manager, Omar Khan's board at that time. 

Porter Jr. spoke with the media during the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine and was clear that he wouldn't mind going to the Ravens at #22, despite his father's history.

"I really never had ill will to Baltimore," Porter said. "That's more my dad and his whole rivalry with them. I just love the game of football. If I end up there, that would be a blessing."

Steelers Could Target A Cornerback With Blazing Speed At #32

Another defender to watch closely is Deonte Banks out of the University of Maryland. The speedster ran a 4.35 40-yard dash and his stock may be rising, but he will probably be available to Baltimore at #23 and if they decide to pass on him and Pittsburgh goes a different way with #17, Banks could be in play at #32.

Banks is originally from the Baltimore area and said to reporters that it would be a 'dream come true' if he ended up with the franchise he rooted for growing up. The biggest challenge for the Ravens if they want him will be selling themselves on the fact that he is worth a first round pick given the fact that he isn't going to be available to them at #87.

Cam Smith from the University of South Carolina and Kelee Ringo who played for the University of Georgia, are another two names to keep an eye out for when it comes to both the Steelers and Ravens. One of the franchises could end up making a huge mistake or end up grabbing the player that the other wish they had.

Overall, the cornerback position is going to be heavily focused on in both front offices. Barring the Ravens trading up, Pittsburgh will have the first chance to snag a prospect that Baltimore may have fallen in love with. If the Steelers go in a different direction with #17, the ball will be in the Ravens' court just six picks later.

Cornerbacks haven't been a position Pittsburgh has drafted well and with a loaded class in 2023, it is imperative that whenever they do take one, he is the right guy at the right times. The last thing the Steelers want is to look back in four years and regret the fact that they passed on someone who fell to the division rival.

Which cornerback do you want Pittsburgh to go after in the 2023 NFL Draft?