If there is one thing that the Pittsburgh Steelers love to do, it's to keep the team involved with family connections. From the Watt Brothers, T.J. and Derek Watt to the Steelers' most recent signing of Patrick Peterson, who happens to be cousins with former defensive back Bryant McFadden. You can go on and on about the many examples of family ties throughout the organization.
Watt Family
Derek and T.J. Watt Celebrate after a win at the University of Wisconsin.
New Family Connections For The Steelers
This year's NFL Draft could bring in some new family connections for the Steelers. Most notable would be bringing in Joey Porter Jr. from Penn State. His father is former Steelers linebacker Joey Porter Sr. who was a key part of the Super Bowl-winning team in 2006. Porter Jr. shows the same aggression that his father played with and is not afraid to fly around to get the football. Growing up, he already has experience being around the Pittsburgh culture and he would be a big pick up with the Steelers' first-round pick.
Michael Hickey/Getty Images
Joey Porter Jr. #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates following the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on September 1, 2022 in West Lafayette, Indiana.
One of the Steelers' newest free agents, offensive lineman Nate Herbig's brother, Nick Herbig is one of the linebacker prospects in this year's draft. Nick is a pass rusher from the University of Wisconsin and is expected to be drafted around the third fourth round. I'm not saying he is the next T.J. Watt, but the last time Pittsburgh took a pass rusher from Wisconsin, who has connections in the NFL, it worked out pretty well for the Steelers. So, Nick is now definitely a name to look out for on days two and three of the draft.
AP
Wisconsin's Nick Herbig in game.
In the 2022 NFL Draft, the franchise brought in Connor Heyward, who is the brother of star defensive lineman, Cameron Heyward. This year, their cousin and linebacker, Shaka Heyward is a name being thrown around in Pittsburgh. Shaka had an underrated combine performance and could be a possible draft riser in 2023. He could potentially be a sleeper for the Steelers to get, just like how the team gained Connor Heyward in the sixth round in 2022.
Michael Conroy / AP
Duke linebacker Shaka Heyward runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, March 2, 2023.
A big day two standout, Gervon Dexter has a connection to the Steelers as well. Dexter's strength and conditioning coach, Karmichael Dunbar is the son of the current defensive line coach for Pittsburgh, Karl Dunbar. Dexter is one of the bigger names at the defensive tackle position and could be someone that sees the Steelers taking with pick 32. He is everything that the organization likes at the position, a big, bully-like type of player.
Jefferee Woo / Times
Florida lineman Gervon Dexter and the rest of the Gators' defense will have to adjust to Tennessee's lightning-quick pace.
The last and newest connection is with Isaac Seumalo. Seumalo's father Joe Seumalo is the current defensive line coach at San Jose State. He helped produce this year's Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year: Viliami Fehoko. Fehoko is projected to be a fifth round pick and could be someone to possibly look out for early on in day three. A connection that many didn't know with Seumalo, his father may be able to bring in some talent in the future to Pittsburgh.
Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group via AP
San Jose State’s Viliami Fehoko, left, sacks UNLV quarterback Max Gilliam (6) during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020.
So, what do you think Steeler Nation? Do the Steelers keep it in the family once again this year? Which prospects do you want to see drafted in 2023? Let us know in the comments below!
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