BOMBSHELL: Ray Fittipaldo Drops a Truth Bomb About the Steelers’ Draft Plans – You Won’t Believe Who They’re Passing On
The NFL Draft is the lifeblood of a team’s future, a time when franchises make the critical decisions that will shape their success for years to come. As the Pittsburgh Steelers approach their next opportunity to add talent to their roster, rumors and reports swirl around the team’s draft strategy. No one is better equipped to understand the inner workings of the Steelers’ decision-making process than Ray Fittipaldo, a seasoned sports writer with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Fittipaldo’s insights often carry significant weight among Steelers fans, and his latest revelations have sent shockwaves through the Steel City.
In a recent article, Fittipaldo dropped a bombshell that has turned heads across Pittsburgh: the Steelers are likely to pass on one of the most high-profile, highly-touted prospects in this year’s draft. The player in question is none other than Jalen Carter, the University of Georgia defensive tackle who has been considered one of the most dominant forces on the field in recent years.
This shocking revelation has left many fans scratching their heads. Carter, regarded as one of the most explosive and impactful defensive players to come out of college football in years, has long been a favorite of draft analysts and Pittsburgh supporters alike. So why are the Steelers reportedly ready to pass on such a unique talent?
In this article, we will break down the significance of Fittipaldo’s report, examine why the Steelers might be shying away from Carter despite his immense potential, and explore what this means for Pittsburgh’s draft strategy, their defense, and the future of the franchise. We’ll also analyze other potential draft options for the Steelers and try to uncover what direction the team may take as they prepare for the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Rise of Jalen Carter: A Once-in-a-Generation Talent
To fully appreciate the magnitude of Fittipaldo’s revelation, it’s essential to first understand the sheer talent of Jalen Carter. A two-time national champion with the Georgia Bulldogs, Carter has been described by many as a “generational” defensive player, capable of dominating in both the run game and as a pass rusher. Standing 6’3” and weighing around 310 pounds, Carter has the size, strength, and athleticism to wreak havoc on opposing offenses.
Carter’s college career has been nothing short of spectacular. In 2022, he was an integral part of Georgia’s historically good defense, which allowed just 277 yards per game and ranked No. 1 in the nation. Carter was a disruptive force in the middle of that defensive line, routinely clogging running lanes, occupying double teams, and providing consistent pressure on quarterbacks. His ability to push the pocket and collapse the line of scrimmage has made him one of the most highly coveted defensive prospects in recent memory.
From a physical perspective, Carter checks every box. He is explosive off the line, showing excellent burst for a man of his size, and his hands are powerful, making him an absolute menace in both pass-rush and run-defense situations. His ability to change direction and chase down ball carriers is rare for a defensive tackle, and his motor never seems to stop running.
For many mock draft experts, Carter was often projected to be one of the first players off the board. Some had him going as high as the No. 1 overall pick to the Chicago Bears or the Houston Texans. Others saw him as a potential fit for the Detroit Lions or the Seattle Seahawks, both of which have top-10 picks and could desperately use a player of Carter’s caliber.
In short, Carter is the kind of player you build a defense around. A dominant force in the middle of the field who can change the outcome of a game with his presence alone, Carter has drawn comparisons to some of the most dominant defensive linemen in recent NFL history, including Aaron Donald and Warren Sapp.
Ray Fittipaldo’s Bombshell: The Steelers Are Passing on Carter
So why, then, would the Pittsburgh Steelers, a team that has historically prided itself on having a ferocious defense, potentially pass on a player like Carter? According to Fittipaldo, the Steelers have made it clear that they will not be selecting the dominant defensive tackle in the 2023 NFL Draft.
In his article, Fittipaldo explained that while the Steelers are certainly interested in upgrading their defensive line, they do not believe Carter is the right fit for their system or current needs. This news has sent shockwaves through Steelers Nation, leaving many fans puzzled. Why pass on a player who could provide an immediate impact to the defense and disrupt the offensive game plans of opposing teams?
Fittipaldo noted that the Steelers have some significant positional needs heading into the 2023 draft, but defensive tackle isn’t at the top of the list. After investing in Cameron Heyward (a longtime defensive stalwart), Larry Ogunjobi, and DeMarvin Leal, the Steelers’ interior defensive line appears to be relatively stable for the time being. While Carter would undoubtedly provide an upgrade, the Steelers may feel that their resources are better spent elsewhere.
Moreover, Fittipaldo suggested that the Steelers may have concerns about Carter’s off-the-field issues. In particular, there have been troubling reports surrounding Carter’s involvement in a tragic incident following Georgia’s national championship victory in 2023. Carter was allegedly involved in a street racing incident that led to a fatal crash, which raised red flags among NFL teams. These off-field concerns, coupled with the Steelers’ traditional emphasis on character and team chemistry, could make the organization hesitant to invest a top draft pick in a player with such baggage.
Why the Steelers Might Pass on Jalen Carter: A Deeper Dive
While Fittipaldo’s report is indeed a bombshell, it’s important to understand the various factors at play that could lead the Steelers to pass on a player like Jalen Carter, despite his overwhelming talent.
1. Positional Need and Draft Philosophy
The Steelers’ defense is built around a strong front seven, but their biggest needs in the 2023 draft might not be along the defensive line. Pittsburgh’s defense has been anchored by T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward for years, but Heyward is now 33, and the team may be looking to prioritize other positions to help their defense remain elite. Cornerback, inside linebacker, and even offensive line could be seen as more immediate needs for the Steelers.
2. Off-the-Field Concerns
The reports surrounding Carter’s off-field issues cannot be ignored. In addition to the car accident incident, Carter has reportedly struggled with his weight and conditioning at times during his college career. NFL teams—especially a franchise like the Steelers, which values discipline and character—could be wary of investing in a player with such concerns. After all, the Steelers have a long history of passing on players who are seen as “risky” off the field, regardless of their talent on the field.
3. System Fit and Developmental Priorities
While Carter has been a dominant force in college football, the Steelers may feel that his skill set doesn’t fit perfectly within their defensive scheme. Pittsburgh traditionally runs a 3-4 defense, which places heavy emphasis on outside linebackers and pass rushers. The team might see greater value in adding a cornerback or edge rusher who could make a more immediate impact, especially if they’re looking to help improve their secondary.
Additionally, the Steelers may feel that their defensive line is already solid enough with players like Heyward and Ogunjobi, and that they can address other areas of need more effectively. The team could prioritize positions that would give them more flexibility in their defensive scheme or add more speed and playmaking ability.
4. Value of Trading Back
Finally, the Steelers may be looking to trade back in the first round of the 2023 draft to acquire more picks. By moving down the draft board, they could pick up a player with similar or even better value at a position of greater need, without having to invest a top-10 pick in a player like Carter.
Other Potential Draft Options for the Steelers
If the Steelers are indeed passing on Jalen Carter, what options do they have in the 2023 draft? The team has a number of needs to address, and their draft strategy will be shaped by how they evaluate their roster moving forward. Here are a few potential targets:
1. Christian Gonzalez (CB, Oregon)
One of the most exciting cornerbacks in this draft class, Christian Gonzalez offers the Steelers a potential shutdown option to pair with Minkah Fitzpatrick in the secondary. Pittsburgh has struggled with cornerback depth in recent years, and Gonzalez has the size, athleticism, and coverage ability to become an immediate starter.
2. Peter Skoronski (OT, Northwestern)
If the Steelers are looking to bolster their offensive line to protect quarterback Kenny Pickett, Peter Skoronski is one of the best offensive tackles in the draft. He has the versatility to play either tackle or guard and could provide an immediate upgrade to the Steelers’ offensive line.
3. Will Anderson Jr. (OLB, Alabama)
If the Steelers want to get more dynamic on the edge, Will Anderson Jr. is a perfect fit for their 3-4 defense. Anderson is widely regarded as one of the best pass-rushers in recent memory, and his ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks could elevate the Steelers’ defense to another level.
4. Bijan Robinson (RB, Texas)
Though running back may not be a glaring need for the Steelers with Najee Harris on the
