The Steelers' Draft Prayers Are Answered As Joey Porter Jr. And Brian Branch Remain On The Board After Night One Of The 2023 NFL Draft

With the first-round of the 2023 NFL Draft over and the Pittsburgh Steelers on the clock at pick 32, there are a multitude of players who were talented enough to go on night one who still remain on the board. Could the Steelers improve their passing game and run blocking with the addition of a talented tight end such as Michael Mayer or Darnell Washington? Could they opt to solidify the trenches with a defensive lineman such as Keeanu Benton? Both are certainly possible. However, there should be two names that Steelers' fans should keep a particularly close eye on as the second-round grows closer, safety Brian Branch from Alabama and cornerback, Joey Porter Jr., from Penn State. 

Both players are immensely talented defensive backs who have the ability to provide a spark to an already talented Steelers' secondary. Branch and Porter were widely considered sure-fire first-round players, so Omar Khan and the entire front office should be incredibly thankful to have both of them as options at pick 32. With the team already answering the question of who will play left tackle next year with the addition of Broderick Jones, the next logical position group to address is defensive back. If the Steelers do indeed decide to do so, both Branch and Porter are ideal candidates. 

Brian Branch: One Of The Most Gifted Football Minds Of Any Player In The 2023 Draft Class

Deciphering how to best utilize Branch will perhaps be the biggest issue for the team that ends up drafting him. During his time at Alabama, he played both slot cornerback in addition to his responsibilities as a traditional safety. His versatility would certainly lend well if the Steelers decide to make him the choice at 32, as he would be able to contribute right away in nickel/dime defensive personnel groupings and challenge both Damontae Kazee and Keanu Neal for starting safety alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick. 

Regardless of where Branch lines up on the field, he is an absolute playmaker and a highly intelligent defensive back who has the capability of being a difference-maker at the next level. During a recent interview with Kay Adams on the Up & Adams Show, the former Alabama star made it abundantly clear about his desire to wear the black and gold. 

Did Anyone Actually Expect JPJ To Be Available To The Steelers At Pick 32?

Many NFL Draft experts had Porter being the Steelers' first-round selection due to the need at cornerback and the connection with his father. When the team ultimately decided to go with Jones, there was seemingly no reason to believe Porter would be a Steeler in 2023, barring an unforeseen trade back in to the first-round. However, in a shocking turn of events, the former Penn State defensive back was not selected on night one. Could Khan pull the trigger and fulfill Porter's lifelong dream of playing for his childhood team? 

While the personal connections between Porter and the Steelers are easy to identify, this is not the only reason why he is a legitimate candidate to be the first player off the board during night two of the draft. The guy can play. With impressive size at 6'2" and 190 pounds, combined with his physical style of play, Porter has all the intangibles to be an effective press-corner at the next level. He is far from a finished product, but with the necessary coaching and time to adapt to the speed of play in the NFL, he could be one of the best defensive players to come out in this year's class. 

Who Do Yinz Think Should Be The Pick At 32? 

Is there another player outside of Branch or Porter that you want the Steelers to take at 32? With their other second-round pick at 49, would you like to see the Steelers try to add? How do yinz feel about Broderick Jones? Leave a comment below! 

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