Defensive tackle Armon Watts. Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports

Does Steelers' latest addition affect draft strategy?

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 4/11/23

The Steelers continue to stay active almost a month after the start of free agency, as the team signed DT Armon Watts on Monday night. Does the move change Pittsburgh's plans for the 2023 NFL Draft?

Watts certainly has some upside, starting 12 games for the Bears in 2022 and posting a five-sack season in 2021. However, he's turning 27 in July, so it shouldn't affect the Steelers' draft strategy too much as they should still add to their defensive line at some point.

Thing that sticks out about Armon Watts right off the bat from last season is how he moves laterally. Here he is the middle for Bears. #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/CoUG7dqSLm
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) April 11, 2023

Six-time Pro Bowl DT Cameron Heyward is also turning 34 next month, so Pittsburgh needs to bring more youth to its aging defensive line and the draft is the perfect place to do so.

It's unlikely the Steelers will go defensive line with their first two picks, as offensive line and cornerback seem to be the favorites at pick Nos. 17 and 32. So pick No. 49 might be the spot Pittsburgh starts looking for a defensive lineman.

There are a couple of good options in Wisconsin DT Keeanu Benton, who ranks as Pro Football Focus' No. 55 overall prospect on its big board, and Baylor DT Siaki Ika, who ranks No. 63.

But with four picks in the top 80, the Steelers are certainly in a great spot with lots of flexibility heading into the draft.

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