The 2023 NFL draft class for the Pittsburgh Steelers was the first draft class for General Manager Omar Khan. Khan took over just after the 2022 NFL draft when Kevin Colbert stepped down. We reviewed the 2022 class, which has turned out to be an absolute bust of a group, but Khan’s inaugural class is already proving to be an exceptional group.
Let’s project the roles for this Steelers draft class as we are eyeing as many as four starters this season out of seven picks.
Broderick Jones – Offensive Tackle – Round 1
Jones has been the Steelers starting right tackle for his first two seasons and this season has made the switch to the left. He’s come into this offseason lighter and in better shape and looks to be ready to take the next step as the Steelers’ starting left tackle.
Joey Porter Jr. – Cornerback – Round 2
Porter took a step back in Year Two after a big rookie campaign but it felt like a bump in the road, which is shaping up to be an incredible career. Porter returns as one of the Steelers starting cornerbacks and is ready to return better than ever.
Keeanu Benton – Defensive Lineman – Second Round
Like Porter, Benton’s second year wasn’t as good as his rookie campaign but the addition of Derrick Harmon is going to make Benton even better. Benton is a bully in the middle of the defensive line and will form a dominant trio with Harmon and Cameron Heyward.
Darnell Washington – Tight End – Third Round
We are rooting for a leaner and more athletic Washington to have a much bigger role in the offense in 2025. Washington’s opportunities have been very limited so far and we feel like at least some of that is due to conditioning. Pat Freiermuth is the Steelers’ lead tight end, but we predict career highs in catches and receiving yards for Washington in 2025 thanks to the addition of quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Nick Herbig – Linebacker – Fourth Round
The only reason Herbig isn’t a starter is that the Steelers already have T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. Herbig might be the top reserve edge rusher in the AFC and we project he will work in as the team’s top backup to both Watt and Highsmith, and will finish 2025 with a career high in sacks.
Cory Trice Jr. – Defensive Back – Seventh Round
Right now, the No. 3 cornerback spot on the Steelers roster is an open competition and we love Trice to win that job. He’s a near-physical clone of Porter and has a very similar play style. Trice’s career got off to a slow start after an injury but he looked strong at times in 2024 and is going to improve in 2025.
Spencer Anderson – Offensive Lineman – Seventh Round
Despite being a seventh-round pick, Anderson has been impressive in a very limited role. So much so, he is in line to be the Steelers primary backup at all three interior offensive line spots in 2025. An impressive feat for a seventh-round pick.
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