With 2023 NFL training camps on the horizon, we’re starting to get an idea of how 2023 NFL draft classes will impact each roster this season.
Let's look at the Pittsburgh Steelers, breaking down the most likely instant-impact rookies from each class, while also providing some insight into why certain early picks may not see the field.
These insights are an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 500+ page book “2023 Football Preview” which is now available for download.
In the book, you can find a comprehensive breakdown of the rookie class for all 32 NFL teams by draft guru Ryan McCrystal.
Who are the Pittsburgh Steelers rookies?
- Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia | Round 1, Pick 14
- Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State | Round 2, Pick 32
- Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin | Round 2, Pick 49
- Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia | Round 3, Pick 93
- Nick Herbig, LB, Wisconsin | Round 4, Pick 132
- Cory Trice Jr., CB, Purdue | Round 7, Pick 241
- Spencer Anderson, OG, Maryland | Round 7, Pick 251
Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Class Grade:
The Steelers received an A+ rookie class draft grade from PFF, a B+ from ESPN, and a B+ from NFL Network.
Which Steelers Rookies Will Make An Impact?
Broderick Jones (first round) is expected to immediately compete with Dan Moore Jr. for the starting job at left tackle. Moore was a liability in pass protection and ranked 23rd out of 35 qualified left tackles in pressure rate allowed. However, Jones probably won’t offer an immediate upgrade in that area.
Over the past three seasons, there have been 16 rookies with at least 200 snaps in pass protection at left tackle. Only five of them allowed a lower pressure rate than Moore’s 5.9% in 2022. Where Jones could help immediately is the run game, which was his strength in Georgia’s run-heavy offense.
Joey Porter Jr. (second round) was well worth the gamble on Day 2. Porter’s college career was a rollercoaster, but at his peak, he was a disruptive force in the secondary. In 2021, Porter was a liability in the Penn State secondary, committing more than twice as many penalties (10) as passes defended (four).
Based on route-adjusted metrics, he allowed a catch rate 28% above expected. In 2022, Porter’s catch rate allowed dropped to 24% below expected, and he generated 10 passes defensed. He clearly improved, but half of those passes defensed occurred in the season opener against Purdue.
Keeanu Benton (second round) lined up as a nose tackle on 53% of his snaps at Wisconsin but has the athleticism to shift into other roles along the defensive line. Last season, Montravius Adams was the primary nose tackle but aligned in that spot on just 16% of the team’s snaps.
The Steelers line up in a two-man front with the edge rushers standing up on the edge on over 50% of their snaps, so Benton likely will not be playing a traditional nose tackle role at a high rate.
Due to the high rate of these two-man fronts, Benton likely will not start immediately but could come onto the field when the team shifts to a three-man front, which they did on 39% of snaps in 2022.
Darnell Washington (third round) is at his best as a blocker in the run game and should see immediate playing time as the second tight end. Pittsburgh lined up with two tight ends on 27% of snaps last year and could potentially increase that rate now that the second tight end spot has been upgraded.
Nick Herbig (fourth round) will likely serve as a backup to T.J. Watt, which is a potentially critical role as Watt missed seven games last season. Though Herbig is undersized (6-foot-2, 240 pounds), he led the Big Ten in pressure rate off the edge at 19.1%. The Steelers rarely put their edge rushers in a three-point stance, so Herbig’s size is of slightly less concern in Pittsburgh than it may have been for others.
Cory Trice Jr. (seventh round) could be one of the late-round steals of this draft class. In his final season at Purdue, Trice generated a ball-hawk rate 37% above expected based on route-adjusted data.
He’ll likely be buried on the depth chart as a rookie, but Trice, Porter, and Patrick Peterson are the only cornerbacks currently under contract beyond the 2023 season.
Spencer Anderson (seventh round) may have limited upside but should maintain a roster spot due to his versatility along the offensive line. During his five seasons at Maryland, he lined up at all five spots on the line.
Pittsburgh general manager Omar Khan did a nice job blending need and value with his selections in this draft class. All four picks from Day 1 and Day 2 should see immediate action. Among the Day 3 picks, Herbig and Trice both have the physical tools to grow into larger roles down the road.
