Steelers' 2023 Draft Class Has Easily Been The Team's Best In Recent Memory

Former Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert had an extremely underwhelming run of draft classes at the end of his tenure with the organization. His biggest mistake in that run may have been drafting quarterback Kenny Pickett 20th overall in 2022. That would be his last draft as the team's GM, as he retired that same offseason. The franchise promoted Omar Khan to take his place, and so far, he's off to a hot start with his four drafts as the GM. The 2023 draft class in particular stands out, which happens to be his first. He may not have hit on his first pick, but he made some excellent selections later on. 

In 2023, the Steelers selected Broderick Jones 14th overall after moving up three spots to grab the offensive tackle. Jones had a decent rookie season, but in his sophomore season, he struggled mightily -- especially in pass protection. The selections made after Jones have been, and are going to be, crucial to the team's success. Khan picked Joey Porter Jr., Keeanu Benton, Nick Herbig, Darnell Washington, and Spencer Anderson. Not all of these players are starters, but they have all made significant contributions to the franchise's success. 

The class has certainly caught the attention of TribLive reporter Chris Adamski, who recently wrote an article about the group. Adamski mentions the recent contract extensions for Herbig and Washington and points out that they will be the only ones from their class to receive extensions. He even goes on to say that the depth of the class hasn't been seen before by a Steelers draft class since free agency was implemented. 

"Three years later, as many as five of the seven players selected by Khan & Co. between April 27-29, 2023, are worthy of serious consideration for a contract extension as they enter the final seasons of their rookie deals," Adamski wrote. "That speaks volumes about the quality of that draft for the Steelers. In fact, the depth of that 2023 class is unprecedented for the franchise in the free agency era of the NFL that began 33 years ago." 

Head Coach Mike McCarthy even gave his two cents on players getting second contracts and how crucial they are to the development of the roster. 

"I think anytime you look at the development of your roster, the second contract is huge," new Steelers coach Mike McCarthy said. "The second contract is important not only to the to the individual, but for me personally, with the new program, new direction and process."

While Khan finishes extending the 2023 class, he will have to look at the 2024 class next, as the team has some names that will be looking for paydays. Troy Fautanu has a fifth-year option and can wait one more year if they so desire, but Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick are going to require nice compensation. 

Frazier doesn't have the accolades yet to fully back it up, but he has quickly become one of the best centers in the NFL, while McCormick made a huge leap in year two and will look to do so again in year three. 

Steelers Are Going To Have To Open Their Wallets

The big extension still pending is Porter's, who wants a massive payday, and for good reason. He has become one of the very best cornerbacks in the NFL. He very well could end up resetting the cornerback market with his next contract, and he's not the only one who could break the bank. Frazier and Fautanu are rising stars at their positions. Fautanu, being a tackle, will be more expensive based on his market, but Frazier won't be an easy one either.  

Recently, Tyler Linderbaum signed a three-year, $81 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, making him the highest-paid center in NFL history. Frazier likely won't get quite that much, but he will get something similar.

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