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The 2022 NFL Draft just concluded this past weekend, but early mock drafts for 2023 are already out. Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports released his way-to-early 2023 mock draft on Monday and he has the Steelers selecting Pitt wide receiver Jordan Addison at 11th overall. Addison might not be at Pitt in 2022, however, as he's in the transfer portal, and he reportedly has a $3 million NIL deal with USC lined up, in addition to having his own house. Pitt is arguing that USC tampered.
"Addison played with Kenny Pickett at Pitt and why not reunite them with the Steelers?" Wilson said. "Addison is a home-run threat at all three levels and if Pittsburgh doesn't want to pay Diontae Johnson, targeting a WR here makes sense."
If the Steelers have the 11th overall pick in next year's draft as Wilson suggests, it would mark the Steelers first losing season since 2003. In this past draft, the Steelers selected receivers George Pickens in the second round and Calvin Austin III in the fourth. Add Addison in the mix and that would be one young dynamic wide receiver group.
Johnson is heading into a contract year and could command at least $20 million per year. If the Steelers end up paying Johnson long-term, I can't see the Steelers selecting Addison in the first round, as they have just too many other pressing needs. If I had to guess now, cornerback and strong safety would probably be the positions that the Steelers target in the first round next year. Maybe even inside linebacker if Devin Bush has another horrendous year.
In two seasons at Pitt, Addison has recorded 160 receptions for 2,259 yards (14.1 average) and 21 touchdowns. Last year, Addison had 100 receptions for 1,593 yards (15.9 average) and 17 touchdowns. Addison is the No. 1 player in the transfer portal.
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