Hot Takes, Predictions for Steelers Rookies After 2023 NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers have to be happy with how their 2022 draft class fared this past season. While not every prospect became an instant contributor, they appeared to hit on first-round pick and new franchise quarterback Kenny Pickett and wideout George Pickens.

The Steelers didn't make the playoffs last season, but if this year's rookie class contributes like last year's, they'll be right back in the postseason mix.

Pittsburgh added seven new players over draft weekend, including first-round pick Broderick Jones, second-round pick Joey Porter Jr. and third-round pick Darnell Washington—three of the top 26 prospects on the Bleacher Report Scouting Department's draft board.

What should fans expect from this year's rookie class? We'll dive into some hot takes and bold predictions below, but first, let's recap how the draft unfolded.

Daft Results

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KANSAS CITY, MO - APRIL 27: A view of the Pittsburgh Steelers logo as the screen reads "The Pick Is In" in the first round of the NFL Draft on April 27, 2023 at Union Station in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The full order and complete results from the 2023 NFL draft can be found here:

Broderick Jones Will Win Starting Job in Camp

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OT Broderick Jones

Even for first-round draft picks, starting as a rookie isn't guaranteed. However, Steelers fans should see Broderick Jones on the field early and often this season.

The second-ranked pure tackle on the B/R board (Northwestern's Peter Skoronski may move inside as a pro) behind Paris Johnson Jr., Jones has all the tools needed to be a Day 1 starter. However, things may not be perfect at first.

"Jones is a fluid athlete with excellent natural power and a rugged, tone-setting demeanor in the run and pass game," Brandon Thorn of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. "He needs considerable refinement in his use of hands, posture/hat placement and overall ability to stay attached to blocks."

Expect Pittsburgh to let the 21-year-old work through his flaws on the playing field. While pass-protection issues can be a real problem for a second-year quarterback like Pickett, the Steelers already have them with left tackle Dan Moore Jr.

Moore was responsible for 10 penalties and seven sacks allowed last season, according to Pro Football Focus.

The Steelers added a savvy veteran at left guard in Isaac Seumalo, and he'll help to get Jones adjusted quickly.

The Georgia product might not be a clear-cut upgrade over Moore right out of the gate, but he'll show enough to win the job in camp and improve Pittsburgh's line play as he gains experience.

Joey Porter Jr. Was One of Draft's Biggest Steals

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CB Joey Porter Jr.

Darnell Washington was a potential steal in the third round, but it's telling that so many teams passed on the Georgia product for more polished tight ends.

The 21-year-old has immense potential, but it may take him time to develop, and he's not going to supplant Pat Freiermuth atop the depth chart any time soon.

Joey Porter Jr., on the other hand, is likely to see playing time early and often and will look like a steal by the end of the season. He's a well-rounded defender and much more than just the son of former Steeler Joey Porter.

"Porter is the best cornerback in this draft class. He may not be as polished as some of the other top cornerbacks in previous classes, but with his length and physicality, he's comparable," Cory Giddings of the B/R Scouting Department wrote.

With a 6'2", 193-pound frame, strong ball skills and the versatility to thrive in man or zone coverage, Porter is the total package as a prospect. He should start opposite Patrick Peterson sooner than later, and he could be a legitimate candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

While it's usually hard to call the 32nd pick in the draft a true steal, that's exactly what Pittsburgh got here. Porter was the 10th-ranked overall prospect on the B/R board, fell out of the first round and was the fifth cornerback selected. That's going to sound silly a year from now.

Nick Herbig Will Be a Regular Contributor in Time

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LB Nick Herbig

The Steelers got some solid value in the middle rounds, too, and fourth-round pick Nick Herbig will be a player to follow in the coming years.

The former Wisconsin pass-rusher will likely make a position switch to full-time linebacker in Pittsburgh because of his smaller frame (6'2", 240 lbs), and he isn't a finished product. However, the tools are there for Herbig to become a special player in the Steelers defense.

"He's already shown good instincts versus the run and enough athletic traits to work with in coverage," Matt Holder of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. "For the latter, awareness is his biggest issue, and that can come with more time and experience at the position."

Herbig will get a ton of support during his development. His brother, Nate Herbig, was signed this offseason. Defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk is a former teammate, and Pittsburgh drafted Wisconsin's Keeanu Benton in the second round.

According to Herbig, former Badger T.J. Watt has also lent support.

"T.J.'s already took me under his wing, Loudermilk's already took me under his wing," Herbig told 93.7 The Fan. "Me and Keeanu are, like, best friends, so now that we're all going to be together, I think it'll make the process a lot easier."

While Herbig might not start immediately like Jones and Porter, he can become one of Pittsburgh's defensive standouts before the end of his rookie deal.