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5 NFL teams that answered the most questions in the 2023 offseason

By Michael Johnson

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 21: Daniel Jones #8 of the New York Giants scrambles against the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 21: Daniel Jones #8 of the New York Giants scrambles against the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 08: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks to throw the ball during the first half of the game against the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

NFL team no. 2: Pittsburgh Steelers

It’s all on Kenny Pickett’s shoulder ow. He probably has one more season to prove whether or not he’s the guy given what the Steelers did to improve their roster. No quarterback can play without a line, and the Steelers did an excellent job in the draft to bolster their front. They did so by trading up to pick 14 with the New England Patriots and selecting Georgia left tackle Broderick Jones. Steel City has a good one in Jones, who has proven to be physically gifted with impressive lateral agility, the ability to mirror rushers, and athleticism that sets him apart.

Najee Harris will be happy for sure, given his yards per carry average was among the worst among starting running backs. Given Jones’ short-area quickness and IQ, he excels as a lead blocker and hunts down defenders at different levels. Jones wasn’t the only Bulldog the Steelers drafted that will help out in the run game. Darnell Washington has an elite talent that fell in the draft due to medical. If everything checks out, his ceiling is limitless, and his floor is an elite run blocker. Pat Freiermuth has already proven to be one of the better young tight ends in the league now he has a running mate.

The Steelers’ red zone offense will be something special, especially now with Allen Robinson, who was added in the off-season. His time with the Rams was disappointing, but he’s in a better system for his skill set with the Steelers. Kenny Pickett improved last year as the season progressed, so with these new weapons and another year in the offense he should take the next step.

Defensively, they have one of the best units in the league. TJ Watt is one of the top three edge rushers in the NFL. He sets the tone for the defense, but they drafted a nose tackle in Keeanu Benton. Benton’s stout frame, excellent length, and brute force make him a challenging player to overpower. His clubbing and heavy hands disrupt pass sets, throwing offensive linemen off balance.

They also added Joey Porter Jr. The Penn State corner is ideal for a press-heavy defense like the Steelers. He should come in and have an impact right away given his length, solid athleticism, and IQ. With one of the better rosters in the AFC, the Steelers’ only question they have to answer is, will they make the playoffs?

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