Predicting Steelers Starters After 2023 NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers achieved their primary goal of the 2023 NFL draft by adding protection for Kenny Pickett.

The Steelers had to move up three spots to land Georgia offensive tackle Broderick Jones, but that move could pay immediate dividends if he slots into the starting left tackle spot in Week 1.

The No. 14 overall pick needs to make an impact in defending the pass rush so that Pickett can take the next step in his development.

Jones' arrival gives the Steelers a strong young core to work with around Pickett, from Najee Harris at running back to George Pickens at wide receiver and Pat Freiermuth at tight end.

The Steelers only made one pick at the offensive skill positions, which shows they are comfortable with the group they have after the Allen Robinson trade with the Los Angeles Rams.

The defensive depth chart has more potential to be rearranged throughout the season following Joey Porter Jr.'s arrival.

The son of the former Steelers linebacker will be expected to compete with Ahkello Witherspoon and others for snaps in training camp, and if he plays well, he could take over the spot opposite Patrick Peterson.

Left Tackle

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COLUMBIA, MO - OCTOBER 01: Broderick Jones #59 of the Georgia Bulldogs gets into position before the snap during the second half against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on October 1, 2022 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images)

The Steelers landed their left tackle of the future in Jones.

The Georgia product was the last of the marquee offensive tackles on the board in the first round, which necessitated the trade with the New England Patriots to move up to No. 14.

Jones will be given every opportunity to win the left tackle job over Dan Moore Jr., who will probably be the odd man out on the offensive line.

Chukwuma Okorafor should be the favorite to land the right tackle spot, which would relegate Moore to a versatile reserve role.

Pickett was sacked on 27 occasions over 13 games in his rookie season. The Steelers should aim to try and cut down that number to around 20. It may be unrealistic to expect that total to be cut in half in the NFL.

The limitation of one or two sacks conceded per game is fine for the entire offensive line, and if Jones shuts down the pressure off one edge, Pickett will have much more time in the pocket to target Pickens, Robinson and Diontae Johnson.

Cornerback

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BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 05: Joey Porter Jr. #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions on the field in the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium on November 05, 2022 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

The Steelers found themselves in an ideal spot at No. 32.

Not only did they draft cornerback help, but they landed the son of one of the team's recent defensive legends.

Porter Jr. has a long way to go to have a 13-year career, like his father, but he will be in a position to at least start out his NFL tenure on a high note.

The Penn State product should compete with Witherspoon for the second starting corner spot on the defensive depth chart. Peterson should be a lock to start on one flank.

Porter Jr. finished his Penn State career with 11 passes defended in his senior season. The only concern about his collegiate totals is that he had a single interception in four years.

The lack of interceptions could be because of the smaller number of opportunities he had to pick off opposing quarterbacks with teams staying away from his side of the field.

The Steelers need Porter Jr. to be excellent in coverage no matter which role he fills because of the added offensive depth in the AFC North.

The Baltimore Ravens are a bigger threat through the air with Zay Flowers and Odell Beckham Jr. now in the fold, and the Cincinnati Bengals will once again be difficult to deal with because of Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

Porter Jr. can earn the starting job over Witherspoon, but if he does not land that spot for Week 1, he should earn snaps in the nickel position.

Rest of Depth Chart Remains Unchanged

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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 01: Cameron Heyward #97 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during an NFL football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium on January 01, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)

Jones and Porter Jr. are expected to be the main impact rookies from the Steelers' draft class.

The rest of the draft picks will have to fight for snaps beneath established starters at their respective positions.

For example, second-round pick Keeanu Benton can add depth to the defensive line, but it will be difficult for him to take over for Cameron Heyward straight out of training camp.

The same can be said about third-round pick Darnell Washington, a tight end out of Georgia. He will have to earn snaps behind Freiermuth. Washington could be most useful in the red zone because of his 6'7" frame.

Fourth-round selection Nick Herbig comes out of the linebacker factory at Wisconsin, but it will take some time for him to work in behind T.J. Watt and the other outside linebackers.

Cornerback Cory Trice and offensive guard Spencer Anderson, both of whom were seventh-round picks, will be more focused on earning roster spots than competing for starting gigs in training camp.

Cornerback and left tackle are the only two positions that could be immediately affected by draft picks, but if Jones and Porter Jr. gain starting spots right away, the draft will be viewed as a success for the Steelers.