Just a few minutes ago the Pittsburgh Steelers made their first selection of the 7th round grabbing cornerback Cory Trice Jr from Purdue. Now they're set to be back on the clock shortly for their final selection of the 2023 NFL Draft. That will happen at pick number #251.
AP
New Steelers cornerback Cory Trice Jr returns an interception for a touchdown.
Trice is a very raw cornerback but has elite size at 6 foot 3 inches. What hurt Trice though was he lacks top end speed and is sometimes easily beaten on longer routes. He will be a project for Mike Tomlin, and defensive backs coach Grady Brown.
Now for the Steelers final piece to an amazing all around draft they select Spencer Anderson, guard from Maryland. He was projected to go as an undrafted free agent. With the Steelers grabbing him at all but the end of the draft they won't need to compete with other teams for his services once the draft is over.
AP Photo/Nell Redmond
Recapping The Steelers 2023 NFL Draft Picks
Round 1 - Pick #14 - Broderick Jones -- Jones joins the Steelers as an instant starter at left tackle. Jones is a dominant force against the run and a sturdy pass blocker that allowed 0 sacks in 454 pass plays last season at Georgia.
Round 2 - Pick #32 - Joey Porter Jr -- Porter comes to the Steelers after spending the majority of his life with his father playing or coaching for the team. Porter has a long frame that allows him to make up space once the ball is in the air. His playing time at the beginning of the season might be limited on a roster that features Levi Wallace, Patrick Peterson, and Ahkello Witherspoon. But based on recent history it won't be a surprise if Wallace or Witherspoon miss time with an injury. If that happens they may never get their spot back from Porter.
AP Photo / Doug McSchooler
Round 2 - Pick #49 - Keeanu Benton -- Benton could be an immediate starter at the nose tackle position if he has a strong training camp. Pittsburgh lacks a true stud in the middle of their line. Benton's brute force should make him a sturdy pillar in the middle of the defensive line to free up the linebackers to do their job in the 3-4 defense.
Round 3 - Pick #93 - Darnell Washington -- Washington was a pick that no one believed would be around late in the third round. Fortunately for the Steelers, and unfortunately for him concerns over his knee caused him to plummet. Washington is instantly the best blocking tight end for the Steelers and is someone that could develop into a down the field threat. He ran a 4.6 40 yard dash at 265 pounds.
Round 4 - Pick #132 - Nick Herbig -- Herbig joins a depleted outside linebacker room. After TJ Watt, and Alex Highsmith there isn't much of anything. Outside linebacker coach Denzel Martin confirmed in his press conference that Herbig will stay outside and they'll ask him to put some muscle on. With a strong camp Herbig could work his way onto the field spelling Highsmith and Watt.
Round 7 - Pick #241 - Cory Trice Jr -- Mike Tomlin has given up and coming secondary coach Grady Brown his first project. Trice Jr has amazing size, but he's extremely raw. His technique all around from his hips to his feet is very questionable. He has a plus ability when lined up in man coverage on the line. He is strong as using his body to knock receivers off their routes.
Steelers 2023 NFL Draft Trades
-- Steelers send pick #17 and #120 to Patriots for pick #14
-- Steelers send pick #80 to Panthers for pick #93 and #132
