The Pittsburgh Steelers have done a good job through the first two days of the 2023 NFL Draft, but they can truly make this a class to remember if they nail their Day 3 picks. Currently, the Steelers are projected to have three selections: one in the fourth round and two in the back of the seventh. So, let’s take a look at which players could realistically be there (sorry, no Kelee Ringo) that could help the Steelers get back to the playoffs.
4 Pittsburgh Steelers Day 3 NFL Draft Targets
1. A.T. Perry, WR
The Pittsburgh Steelers love their wide receivers, but they only have one proven option currently on the roster in Diontae Johnson, and another promising yet not yet completely proven player in George Pickens. And, no, Allen Robinson does not count. The Steelers excel at finding Day 3 receivers in the NFL Draft, and A.T. Perry could be their next great diamond in the rough. The Wake Forest product is a bit of a one-trick pony, but he does that trick incredibly well. His deep speed opens up routes underneath, and he can track a ball in way that makes it difficult for defensive backs to make a play. Pittsburgh could use a burner, and A.T. Perry is the best man for job that’s still available.
Wake Forest’s AT Perry profiles as a true X-receiver at 6-3 and 198 lbs. Both of his parents served in the U.S. Navy and Dane Brugler calls him “an agile-footed route runner who could reach a master class on pacing.” Perry finished 2022 with 81 catches for 1,096 yards and 11 TDs. pic.twitter.com/FvA1f93CXx
— Kyle Lindemann (@LuckIsMadeFF) April 23, 2023
2. Terell Smith, CB
The Steelers already added cornerback Joey Porter Jr in the second round of the NFL Draft, but that shouldn’t stop them from adding another on Day 3. Terell Smith is more athlete than cornerback at this point in his career, as he has the physical tools to start in the league, but he has yet to put them all together on the football field. In theory, most of his issues are fixable, and if the Steelers coaching staff does their job, then he could be a steal in the fourth round.
3. Anthony Johnson Jr, S
Predicting who will and won’t be on the board in the seventh round is tough, as it only takes one team to think that a player is worthy of a fifth-round pick. However, with that disclaimer out of the way, there is a decent chance that Iowa State’s Anthony Johnson will still be on the board late in the draft. The former cornerback is impressive near the line of scrimmage and can help cover tight ends. Seeing as the Steelers share a division with Mark Andrews, this skill could be highly useful.
Iowa State versatile DB Anthony Johnson Jr is going to make a team happy on day 3. Transitioned to safety this year and played all over the secondary. Good lower body explosion, anticipation, instincts, and fluid hips pic.twitter.com/yhugh2c6jE
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) March 16, 2023
4. Viliami Fehoko, EDGE
Watching even one snap from any given Viliami Fehoko game shows you why the Steelers would love to draft him on Day 3. The San Jose State product plays with arguably the highest motor in the entire class – every single snap, he’s out for blood and never stops until the final whistle is blown. He makes plays in the backfield and is willing to do anything and everything to help his team win. While there are genuine concerns about his poor fundamentals, smaller build, and level of competition he faced, guys with this type of on-field energy justify a late-round selection.
Main Photo: Jim Dedmon – USA Today Sports
