The Pittsburgh Steelers are starting to get some national attention after two solid days of drafting. Just like in free agency, the Steelers have continued to attack their problem areas with fierce, aggressive moves. On Thursday night, Pittsburgh moved up three spots to jump ahead of the New York Jets who were rumored to be ready to select offensive lineman, Broderick Jones.
Mark J. Rebilas | USA Today Sports
Broderick Jones takes on Alabama pass rusher Will Anderson Jr.
On Friday night, despite numerous teams calling about a potential trade for pick #32, the Steelers held strong and didn't come off their steep asking price. Staying at #32, they were able to grab one of the best corners in the draft in Joey Porter Jr.
From there the team would address another major hole on the defensive line. Keeanu Benton was reportedly in play at pick #32 before they ultimately decided to select Porter Jr. As luck would have it, the Steelers would be back on the clock at #49 and he was still available.
There was some chatter about Benton possibly going at 32 to Pittsburgh. Instead they take Porter Jr. and still end up with Benton at 49.
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) April 29, 2023
Putting together a good class -- 3 of my top 40 players.
Benton will likely find playing time immediately on the Steelers defensive front between Cameron Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi. Pittsburgh has lacked a true impact nose tackle since Javon Hargrave left town for Philadelphia a few years ago. The addition of Benton gives the Steelers tons of depth with Montravius Adams, Isaiahh Loudermilk, and Breiden Fehoko.
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Keeanu Benton (#95) celebrates a big stop against Minnesota.
Late in the third round, the Steelers may have landed the steal of the draft. Georgia tight end, Darnell Washington was projected to be one of the first tight ends off the board, but late concerns about his knee saw him plummet.
New #Steelers TE Darnell Washington would have gone much higher than late-third round but "medical zonked him," as one scout said. Knee is a concern, and might not be only one, depending on the team. But as that same scout added, 'It's laughable. He will play a long time."
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) April 29, 2023
That plummet ended at pick #93. Pittsburgh was able to trade back from #80 to #93 with the Carolina Panthers, pick up a fourth round pick for their trouble AND still land Washington. That could turn out to be an all time great draft trade for Pittsburgh.
ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr released a story on Friday night listing his winners throughout the first two days of the draft. Pittsburgh found their way onto the list. This is what Kiper had to say about the Steelers impressive start.
"The Steelers kicked off Day 2 with a guy I thought they might take in Round 1. I had matched Porter to them at No. 17 a couple of times, but they instead addressed their O-line Thursday. They waited out the corners and landed my No. 22 overall prospect. Porter is long and physical, and though he only had one career interception, I think his ball skills will improve at the next level. The son of another former Pittsburgh draft pick landed in a perfect spot. And he'll get to learn the tricks of the trade from veteran Patrick Peterson.
The Steelers also added the big defensive tackle Benton, and though I'm lower on him than Todd McShay, I see why they did it. He's my No. 6 defensive tackle; I thought he'd go in Round 3. This isn't that big of a reach, but he needs to be more than just a run-stuffer to up his game. On tape, I see him flash pass-rush talent, but he wasn't consistent enough.
As for Washington, I believe he dropped because of some medical concerns, though I don't have details. At 6-foot-7, 264 pounds, he has a first-round frame and is extremely talented, but he didn't produce much at Georgia. If he gets healthy, though, this could be tremendous value."
Perry McIntyre
Darnell Washington hurdling an Oregon defender in 2022 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Steelers Receive Praise From More Than Just Mel Kiper
It wasn't only Kiper who was praising the Steelers' selections. NFL Network draft expert, Daniel Jeremiah also raved over the teams selections. Jeremiah noted all of the Steelers selections were top 40 picks on his big board.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are my winners of night 2. I love what they are putting together.
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) April 29, 2023
Now we get ready for what seems like a mostly uneventful day for the Steelers. The organization will pick near the end of the fourth round at #132. From there, they will have to sit out rounds five and six as they won't pick again until the seventh round. But, don't count out Omar Khan and company finding a way back into one of those rounds.
