The 2023 NFL Draft has now come to a conclusion with the Pittsburgh Steelers welcoming in a class of draft choices that includes several big names. Maybe none bigger around these parts than Penn State stand out Joey Porter Jr. Peezy Jr of course comes home to the Steelers where his father wreaked havoc for so many years. Pittsburgh also will now become home to two Georgia stand outs, Broderick Jones, and Darnell Washington. And we can't leave out linebacker Nick Herbig who joins his older brother Nate on the Steelers roster.
Photo Credit: Joe Hermitt / Penn Live
Penn State cornerback, Joey Porter Jr. was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 32nd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
But now comes another very important time for the Steelers. The signing of undrafted free agents. Pittsburgh has a rich history of adding key players via signings after the draft. Hall of Famer Donnie Shell was an undrafted free agent in 1974, and Super Bowl 40 hero Willie Parker was also undrafted from North Carolina. And of course most recently in 2022 undrafted free agent running back Jaylen Warren made the team. And made a huge impact working his way up the depth chart to #2 behind Najee Harris.
Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
After Najee Harris saw a league-high 381 touches in 2021, Steelers RB Jaylen Warren became a huge part of the 2022 offense.
We're going to keep you up to date right here for the remainder of the weekend as news comes out of the Steelers signings. To clarify some of these 'signings' are called signings but instead are invites to rookie mini camp. From there the athlete could be offered a contract.
Steelers 2023 Undrafted Free Agent Tracker
QB - Tanner Morgan - Minnesota -- per Evan Dennison
Morgan completed 62.2 percent of his passes, throwing 65 touchdown passes and 32 interceptions and rushed for eight touchdowns over 51 games and 47 starts for the Gophers. Because of COVID rules he started games in 2018 to 2022.
WR - Jordan Byrd - San Diego State -- per Brad Benson
Byrd was an All-Mountain West returner for San Diego State. He had 3 kick return touchdowns, and 1 punt return touchdown.
“They’re looking for potential and I feel like I bring potential to the team and hope I can do that for them,” said Byrd via KRQE news. “I know that’s a tough team and its going to be a good time to play with them, especially with the history they have.”
FB - Monte Pottebaum - Iowa -- Per Aaron Wilson
Moved from linebacker to fullback during 2019 fall camp. He had 18 rush attempts for 84 yards during his college career.
LB - David Perales - Fresno State - Per David Perales
As a senior he recorded 45.5 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and three forced fumbles. Because of COVID rules he came back for another season in 2022 and recorded 11.5 sacks.
K - BT Potter - Clemson - Confirmed by BT Potter to SteelerNation
Potter completed his five-year Clemson career (2018-22) 73-of-97 on field goals (75.3 percent) and 234-of-235 on PATs (99.6 percent)
DL - James Nyamwaya - Per Merrimack College
C - Trevor Downing - Iowa State
Downing was ranked as the 16th best center according to ESPN
Steelers 2023 NFL Draft Results
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.
Round 7 - Pick #251 - Spencer Anderson -- Anderson was projected to be an undrafted free agent, but the Steelers thought enough of him to make sure he couldn't sign else where. Mike Tomlin gets his yearly Maryland player. Anderson could have a chance to be a depth guard and beat out Kendrick Green for a roster spot.
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
