Analysis

4/29/23

4 min read

Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Draft Grades 2023: Straight A's Early On

The 2023 NFL Draft is complete and the Pittsburgh Steelers made a total of seven picks.

The AFC North's third-place team in 2022, the Steelers had several positions they hoped to fortify as they pursue the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens for division supremacy.

The 33rd Team Scouting Dept. graded every pick in this year's draft, and here's how the Steelers fared:

Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 NFL Draft Grades

No. 17 Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

Pittsburgh moves up to No. 14 and lands the top tackle on our draft board. The Steelers needed to address their tackle spot. Broderick Jones (scouting report) is a little unpolished, but he has outstanding athleticism and plays with a nasty streak. He should be a great fit.

Grade: A+


32. Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State

*From Bears

The first pick of the second day is always interesting. Teams have a night to sleep on their decision and meet as a staff to discuss strategy. The Steelers went offensive tackle with their first pick, and in the second round, they stayed within the family and picked the son of former Steelers linebacker Joey Porter. Joey Porter Jr. has the length, speed and overall movement skills to be a No. 1 corner in the NFL.

Grade: A-


49. Keeanu Benton, DL, Wisconsin

Keeanu Benton (scouting report) is long and has good strength for a defensive tackle. He is a good fit for the Steelers and will play early and should contribute as a rookie. Benton has sneaky speed and is a good athlete who plays on his feet. He has the motor to run and chase the ball down the field.

Grade: A-


93. Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia

*From Carolina via San Francisco

Darnell Washington (scouting report) is a massive-bodied tight end who has good athletic ability for a guy his size. He is primarily a blocking tight end with the ability to be used in the passing game in the red zone. Pittsburgh gets a guy to add to the end of the line who will give them the ability to play smash-mouth football.

Grade: B+


132. Nick Herbig, LB, Wisconsin

Nick Herbig (scouting report) is a productive player who has position flexibility and will help the Steelers' defense. He has some lower-body tightness but plays with good straight-line speed and has outstanding awareness, instincts, and motor.

Grade: B+


241. Cory Trice Jr., CB, Purdue

*From Vikings through Broncos

This is another good pick by the Steelers, who are re-making their defensive back room. Cory Trice Jr. (scouting report) is a long, athletic press corner who can be a menace to opposing receivers. If he can clean up some of his eye-discipline issues, he could be a solid starter in the league.

Grade: B+


251. Spencer Anderson, G, Maryland

*From Rams

Spencer Anderson (scouting report) lacks the ideal height for the position. He has played both tackle spots, center and right guard during his career at Maryland. He will battle for a roster spot in Pittsburgh.

Grade: C


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