The 2023 NFL Draft finally came and went, and the Pittsburgh Steelers put together an absolutely tremendous draft class that should have all of Steeler Nation grinning from ear to ear. Doesn't matter if it was their first round pick or their seventh round pick, the Steelers managed to get incredible value from start to finish, and have definitely improved their team.
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Steelers 2023 first round draft pick, Broderick Jones, meets with the press after being selected.
Even with everyone saying the Steelers' draft was great on paper, it is always difficult to predict how rookies will perform. Below I have bold predictions for the 2023 season for each of the rookies selected by the Steelers during the 2023 NFL Draft.
Broderick Jones - Will Not Be In Steelers Starting Lineup Week 1
I can already hear all of the people in the comments bashing me for this one, but let's be honest, Jones is a very talented player that needs some refinement in terms of technique. In my draft profile of Jones, I noted of him that he needs to improve his hand usage, and that hasn't changed in the few weeks since then and now. Working with Pat Meyer during this summer should go a long way in helping his hang usage and his punches, while also limiting the amount he leans into his blocks, but will those few months be enough for him to take the starting job away from Dan Moore Jr.?
Pairing with that, Moore Jr. put together a solid stretch of play after the team's bye week in 2022 and really started to round out his game. Over the final six games, Moore only allowed one sack, and that sack was in the season finale and recorded by Myles Garrett. Holding Garrett in check all game is no easy task, to say the least. Along with that, he didn't record a single penalty in the final four games of the season, after recording 10 in the first 14. It is a small sample size, but Moore is trending upward and has been the Steelers' starting left tackle for the last two seasons, so I wouldn't cast him off just yet.
Joey Porter Jr. - Doubles College Career Interception Total In 2023
One of the knocks on Porter Jr. coming out of Penn State was his lack of ball production, specifically interceptions as he only recorded one during his four seasons there. I think that changes for the better in 2023 while in the NFL, but might come about due to some unfortunate circumstances. Being a rookie, especially one who has a tendency to be handsy down the field, opposing offenses are going to look to target Porter early and often in 2023.
He is going to have several opportunities to make plays on the ball and shut down the opposing offense's drives. I do believe there will be some big plays that result for the offense out of the Steelers' opponent targeting Porter frequently, but I also believe he will be able to take the ball away on multiple occasions in 2023, making teams question their game plan against the black and gold.
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Joey Porter Jr. jumps the passing lane and attempts to make the interception in a game against Purdue.
Keeanu Benton - Starts All 17 Games In 2023
While this may not seem like a very bold prediction for a second round pick, it really is. It wasn't long ago that the Steelers were notorious for not starting rookies, and especially on defense. However, the team currently lacks a true nose tackle that most believe is more than a depth/rotational piece, so the opportunity to secure a starting role will definitely be available for Benton.
Darnell Washington - Leads All Steelers Tight Ends In Total Snaps
Now this is a bold prediction if I have ever seen one. With two veteran tight ends on the roster, and one who has been such a critical part of the offense (Pat Freiermuth), how is a rookie going to lead this group in snaps? Simple answer, run blocking. It is very likely that once he was selected with the 93rd overall pick, that Washington immediately became the Steelers best blocking tight end. With how often the Steelers run two tight end sets, and the unique size and skillset Washington possesses, it would surprise me if he leads the team in tight end snaps.
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Darnell Washington blocks an Arkansas defender in an away game in 2022.
Nick Herbig - Leads Team In Special Teams Tackles
Does it surprise anyone that the Steelers added another pair of brothers to their long list of brothers they've had on their roster? Does it surprise anyone they took another tough and athletic edge player? Herbig was a very good selection for the team in the fourth round, but it'll be interesting to see where his biggest impact is felt during his rookie season. Based on his athleticism and play style, Herbig profiles as someone with great special teams potential early on in his career.
While he works to get better and carve out a role for himself as a rotational edge rusher or off-ball linebacker, becoming the Steelers' special teams ace is something Herbig has the potential to do.
Cory Trice Jr. - Makes At Least 1 Start In 2023
By selecting Trice Jr., the Steelers added two cornerbacks in this draft class that profile to be very similar players. Both are long, press-man corners who have great size and athleticism. With that being said, it would not surprise me at all if at some point throughout the 2023 season, Trice works his way into the starting lineup. Between the chance of injuries and Trice's ability to handle bigger wide receivers, there should be a role for him at some point.
Spencer Anderson - Makes 53-Man Roster
This isn't the most bold prediction in the world, but for a seventh round pick, there is no guarantee that you end up making the initial 53-man roster heading into the season. Even if the team believes you are one of the 53 best players, there are still games they play in order to attempt and stash them on the practice squad. For Anderson however, I don't think that'll be the case. He has unique versatility and that gives him a leg up when the Steelers consider who their reserve linemen will be.
Over the past three seasons, Anderson has logged significant snaps and multiple starts at center, right guard, and right tackle. That type of versatility is something the team loves, and if he shows well in training camp, I would expect Anderson to sneak onto the 53-man roster in what is a very crowded offensive line position group.
What do you think of my bold predictions for each of the Steelers' 2023 draft selections? Do you agree or have any others in mind? Let us know in the comments below!
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