The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2023 NFL Draft needing to upgrade several areas of their team. Faced with an aging roster and a young quarterback, reinforcements were needed. In a draft that included a Round 1 trade, the selection of a franchise legacy player, and more, the question is, did they do enough?
Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Picks by Round in 2023
The Steelers made picks in only five of the seven rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft. They selected a bit more on the defensive side of the ball rather than the offensive.
The Steelers historically take the “best player available” approach, meaning they do not necessarily focus on need. Their goal is to marry the two when they are on the clock. They believe they did that in 2023.
How Many Draft Picks Did the Steelers Have Entering the 2023 NFL Draft?
The Steelers had seven picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. They selected four defensive players and three offensive players. They made selections in Rounds 1-4, and then not again until having multiple selections in the seventh round.
Three of their seven picks were inside of the top 50 selections. Teams covet the top 50 because, year in and year out, that is where the value is most likely collected. When teams have this type of opportunity to add more than two players in that range, missing on them hurts just a little more.
MORE: FREE Mock Draft Simulator With Trades
The Steelers traded former second-round wide receiver Chase Claypool to the Chicago Bears ahead of the 2022 trade deadline and, in return, received the Bears’ second-round pick. That pick landed 32nd overall, as there were only 31 first-round draft picks because the Dolphins were stripped of their selection due to tampering.
Additionally, the Steelers sent their 2023 fifth-round pick to the Seahawks for CB Ahkello Witherspoon in September 2021. Before the 2022 season, Pittsburgh also struck a deal with the Denver Broncos. The Steelers traded for LB Malik Reed, sending a sixth-round pick to Denver in exchange for Reed and a seventh-rounder.
However, that was not the last move, as the Steelers opted to give Kenny Pickett a veteran option at receiver and swapped seventh-round picks (No. 234 for No. 251) with the Los Angeles Rams for veteran wide receiver Allen Robinson.
Although he is coming off a disappointing season, he remains one of the more skilled players — when in full form — at his position and will round out the WR room with Diontae Johnson and George Pickens.
Who Did the Steelers Draft in 2023?
- Round 1, Pick 14 (From NE)
Broderick Jones, OT | Georgia - Round 2, Pick 32 (From CHI)
Joey Porter Jr., CB | Penn State - Round 2, Pick 49
Keeanu Benton, DT| Wisconsin - Round 3, Pick 93 (From CAR via SF)
Darnell Washington, TE | Georgia - Round 4, Pick 132 (From CAR via SF)
Nick Herbig, EDGE | Wisconsin - Round 7, Pick 241 (From MIN via DEN)
Cory Trice, CB | Purdue - Round 7, Pick 251
Spencer Anderson, OT | Maryland
The Steelers traded with the New England Patriots during the first round of the draft to secure offensive tackle Broderick Jones from Georgia. This not only ensured they got the player they wanted but also caused a setback for the New York Jets, who held the No. 15 spot.
It was widely believed that the Jets were interested in an offensive tackle, and Jones was considered the top choice. It’s worth noting that Bill Belichick, the head coach of the Patriots, managed to find a way to cause trouble for his AFC East competitors.
MORE: History of Pittsburgh Steelers First-Round NFL Draft Picks
Joey Porter Jr.’s selection in the draft holds great importance, considering his father’s legacy. Joey Porter was a celebrated member of the Steelers, with numerous Pro Bowls and All-Pro team honors as an edge defender.
Although his son plays as a cornerback, the team has high hopes for Porter Jr. to make a significant contribution. He is believed to be an ideal fit for the team’s defensive scheme, and he will have ample opportunity to showcase his skills.
Pittsburgh continued to add feared athletes throughout the rest of their draft. Second-round defensive tackle Keeanu Benton was dominant in the preseason, looking ready to start as a nose tackle on Day 1. His incredible strength and ability to play with leverage bodes well for his NFL outlook.
Tight end Darnell Washington is as physically imposing as any player in the league, as the 6’7″, 260-pounder carries a monstrous wingspan and plays with menacing strength. He’s known as an elite blocker and red-zone threat thanks to his size.
The other notable draft pick is edge rusher Nick Herbig. Herbig has great quickness and flexibility off the edge, which are two important but uncommon features to find for a pass rusher. He could prove to be a huge steal if he can carve out a rotational role.