The NFL Draft is the most anticipated event of the year for football fans. It’s a time when teams look to find the next superstar that will lead them to glory. However, not every pick is a home run, and sometimes the best players are found in the later rounds. These players are known as “steals,” and they can be the key to a team’s success.
In the 2023 NFL Draft, several teams were able to find potential gems with their value picks. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most notable steals of this year’s draft.
WR Kaleb Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers (Round 3, Pick 82)
Kaleb Brown was considered by many to be one of the most talented wide receivers in the draft, and the fact that he fell to the third round was a surprise to many. The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to snatch him up with the 82nd pick, and they may have found a steal.
Brown is an explosive receiver who can make big plays with his speed and athleticism. He has excellent hands and is a natural route-runner, which should allow him to contribute immediately. With JuJu Smith-Schuster potentially leaving in free agency, Brown could step in and become a key contributor for the Steelers.
RB Treylon Henderson, Arizona Cardinals (Round 4, Pick 114)
Running back Treylon Henderson was one of the most intriguing prospects in the draft. He has excellent speed and agility, and he’s a threat to take it to the house every time he touches the ball. The Arizona Cardinals were able to grab him in the fourth round, and he could be a valuable addition to their backfield.
Henderson has the potential to be a dynamic playmaker in both the running and passing games. He’s a good receiver out of the backfield, and he’s a willing blocker in pass protection. With Kenyan Drake leaving in free agency, Henderson could have a chance to compete for the starting job alongside Chase Edmonds.
DE Cameron Thomas, San Francisco 49ers (Round 5, Pick 156)
Defensive end Cameron Thomas was a productive player in college, but he wasn’t talked about as much as some of the other pass rushers in the draft. The San Francisco 49ers were able to grab him in the fifth round, and he could be a steal.
Thomas is a powerful and explosive pass rusher who can get to the quarterback with his strength and quickness. He has good instincts and a high motor, which should allow him to make an immediate impact on the field. With the 49ers losing some key players on defense in free agency, Thomas could have a chance to compete for playing time right away.
CB Kaiir Elam, New York Jets (Round 6, Pick 187)
Cornerback Kaiir Elam was one of the best players available in the draft, but he fell to the sixth round due to concerns about his size and physicality. The New York Jets were able to grab him with the 187th pick, and they may have found a steal.
Elam is a talented cornerback who has excellent ball skills and instincts. He’s a natural cover corner who can play in both man and zone coverage, and he has the speed to keep up with even the fastest receivers. With the Jets looking to improve their secondary, Elam could have a chance to compete for playing time right away.
In conclusion, the 2023 NFL Draft was full of potential gems who could turn out to be steals. These players may not have been the most high-profile picks, but they could end up being some of the most valuable contributors for their respective teams.
