Steelers 2023 Draft Grades

While the Steelers got off to a slow start in 2022, they finished strong and kept head coach Mike Tomlin’s impressive streak of never having a losing season alive. They came into the 2023 NFL draft with needs at offensive and defensive tackle, as well as the back seven of the defense. This was Steelers GM Omar Khan’s first draft, so let’s take a look at how he did.

14th Overall Selection (Rd 1) – Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

The Steelers were aggressive with this pick, trading up with New England to get in front of the NY Jets in order to land one of the draft’s top tackles. Jones moves well and ran the fastest 40 of any tackle at the combine. He’s also widely considered to have the highest upside of any of the tackle prospects in this year’s draft class.

Grade: A+

32nd Overall Selection (Rd 2) – Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State

Widely considered a first-round talent, I think a lot of people were shocked that Porter didn’t get selected in the first. A tall corner with excellent length, Porter loves to get physical with opposing receivers. The fact that he also gets to play for the same team as his dad, only seems right. Heck, I’m a Browns fan and I would’ve screamed at my television if the Steelers made a different pick here.

Grade: A+

49th Overall Selection (Rd 2) – Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin

Benton is a big body that should be a plug and play guy. He was more productive as a pass rusher than his nine career sacks would lead you to believe. But the Steelers made this pick with his run-stopping ability in mind. Playing alongside Cam Hayward should only speed up his learning curve.

Grade: A+

93rd Overall Selection (Rd 3) – Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia

This was more of a luxury pick than a need for Pittsburgh. They also have an excellent tight end in Pat Freirmuth, but the addition of Washington gives them an interesting developmental prospect and one heck of a red zone target. At 6’7″, 264 pounds Darnell is a mismatch for just about anyone. While he only had 38 catches over two seasons, he’s got solid hands and has the ability to create after the catch.

Grade: B+

132nd Overall Selection (Rd 4) – Nick Herbig, LB, Wisconsin

This was a pick I was hoping Cleveland would make at 126. But naturally, he falls to the Steelers and gets to play alongside fellow Wisconsin alum TJ Watt. He’s undersized for an edge rusher but makes up for it with a quick first step and excellent hand-fighting skills. He’ll make a solid addition to Pittsburgh’s pass-rush rotation.

Grade: A

241st Overall Selection (Rd 7) – Cory Trice Jr., CB, Purdue

At this point in the draft, you’re looking for traits and potential. Trice gives that to you. At 6’3″, he’s got impressive height and length. He’s ran a 4.47 40, and showed excellent explosiveness with a 35.5 inch vertical and 11’0″ broad jump.

Grade: A

251st Overall Selection (Rd 7) – Spencer Anderson, OG, Maryland

I mentioned traits, right? How about a prospect that has played tackle, guard, and center? Depth on the offensive line is always important.

Grade: B