It's been a pretty productive offseason for Mike Tomlin's team. The Pittsburgh Steelers enter training camp with all of their 2023 draft picks in the fold.
They were a team that got off to a forgettable 2-6 start in 2022, only to win seven of their final nine contests to finish 9-8. They wound missing the playoffs for the first time since 2019, however they enter 2023 winners of their last four games.
The Pittsburgh Steelers won their final four outings this past season and are hoping to carry that momentum into this upcoming campaign. If this offseason is any indication, there are a lot of positive surrounding Mike Tomlin's revamped club.
Quarterback Kenny Pickett enters his second season and improved as 2022 unfolded. The offensive line has new faces in first-round pick Broderick Jones and former Eagles' right guard Isaac Seumalo. The club swung a deal for veteran wide receiver Allen Robinson.
However, it was on the defensive side of the ball that new general manager Omar Khan may have really made his mark. The free-agent additions include linebackers Elandon Roberts and Cole Holcomb, edge rusher Markus Golden, safety/linebacker Keanu Neal and standout cornerback Patrick Peterson. The team also re-signed standout pass-rusher Alex Highsmith, who finished with a team-high 14.5 sacks in 2022, to a contract extension.
Joey Porter Jr. ready to go for Steelers
The veteran defender should prove to be quite the mentor for the 32nd overall pick in April's draft. Former Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr., the first pick in the second round this year, is ready to join his teammates in Latrobe.
There's a lot to be excited about when it comes to this franchise. The Steelers broke character to a degree and were highly aggressive this offseason. Of course, there needed to be some changes made despite the fact that the team has not finished with a losing record since 2003.
Tomlin's team has not won a postseason game since 2016 and has been humbled in its last four playoff appearance. At least for now, this offseason looks like a much-needed breath of fresh air.
At least for now…