Who are the top Steelers rookies to watch this offseason?
The Steelers have not done the best in recent years, but they are slowly getting better, and we think that with the right players and the right use of draft picks, they could progress a lot faster and change the next season’s NFL betting odds.
This offseason, the Steelers managed to check all of their pre-draft checkboxes to address needs for a team which finished 9-8 but missed the playoffs last season. That wishlist included several players who were selected and could play significant time as rookies.
Knowing this, let’s take a look at the top 7 Pittsburgh Steelers picks that we should be keeping an eye out for in the 2023 season.
Broderick Jones
Broderick Jones is the first offensive lineman that the Steelers took in the first round since they chose David DeCastro back in 2012. He is the first offensive tackle that the team has drafted in the first round since 1996 (Jamain Stephens).
With Jones, the Steelers have gained a 6’5″ 311 lbs. offensive tackle that helped the Georgia Bulldogs win two national championships in the last two years.
An Associated Press All-SEC First-Team selection, Jones started in each of the last 15 games for Georgia. His prowess and athleticism as a finisher were two of the primary things that stood out about him when he was playing for Georgia.
All eyes will be on Jones and an improved Steelers offensive line throughout the preseason process. He will also enter this season with high expectations of becoming the team’s franchise left tackle to protect second-year QB Kenny Pickett‘s blind side. This makes Jones an exciting prospect to watch as the Steelers offensive line makeover could finally be complete.
Joey Porter Jr.
Make no mistake, Porter appears to have been custom-built for the Steelers to draft him with pick 32 overall in this year’s NFL Draft.
The son of former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Joey Porter, he carries his father’s namesake into his rookie season where he will compete for playing time behind veterans Patrick Peterson and Levi Wallace.
Porter was one of the better shutdown corners in college football last season and could become Pittsburgh’s top option at the position in due time too. This makes Porter “must see TV” for Steelers Nation.
Keeanu Benton
I have different expectations for Benton than what fans might, and I’m not sure mine are as realistic: I believe he has a chance to become the player Javon Hargrave now is. Similar in stature and able to line up in multiple spots along the defensive line, I believe Benton can become a Week 1 starter in much the same way Hargrave did.
If Benton can provide a spark to stop the run and also penetrate the opposing line, he could manage to find more playing time spelling Cameron Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi. This could be especially true if the team views DeMarvin Leal as an outside linebacker rather than a 3-4 defensive end.
Despite being the third pick in the Steelers draft class, Benton is still a higher pick on the board (49th overall) and should be one to watch as the offseason unfolds.
Darnell Washington
The massive 6’7″ 264 lbs. tight end out of Georgia fell into the third round of this year’s NFL Draft and right into the waiting arms of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Essentially an extra offensive lineman – something that Washington embraces – he should pair nicely with former Bulldogs teammate Jones when the two lineup together on the left side of formations.
Fans will likely see what he can do in the passing game as well, building the excitement around his addition to the roster.
Sleeper Pick: Monte Pottebaum
A former linebacker turned fullback, Pottebaum fills a need that the Steelers don’t currently have on the roster, as Connor Heyward could be used as a fullback, but his natural position lends to being an undersized but difficult to cover tight end that operates from the slot.
This leaves Derek Watt’s former role – of being a lead blocker and special teams ace – up for grabs.
The undrafted Pottebaum is an Academic All-Big Ten award winner who has capable hands out of the backfield as well, adding to his versatility and making him a relative unknown that fans should keep an eye on as the offseason unfolds.
