Steelers Rookies Who Will Make Instant Impact in 2023 Season

The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't make the playoffs last season, but they'll be in the postseason hunt this year after a strong offseason.

Pittsburgh started by replacing departed veterans with quality players such as cornerback Patrick Peterson and linebacker Elandon Roberts. It also strengthened its offensive line by bringing in Isaac Seumalo and Nate Herbig.

Then, general manager Omar Khan put together one of the stronger draft classes we saw in April. The Steelers addressed multiple needs while finding tremendous value in the early rounds.

Pittsburgh made seven total selections over draft weekend, and a few incoming rookies are poised to contribute immediately.

Here, we'll examine three Steelers rookies who are most likely to make an instant impact during the 2023 season. Factors like positional value, collegiate production, team needs and roster depth were all considered, along with any relevant post-draft recent buzz.

Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 03: Broderick Jones of Georgia poses for a portrait during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 3, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)

Round 1 (14th overall)

This one shouldn't come as a surprise since first-round picks are generally expected to contribute early.

The Steelers traded up to secure former Georgia offensive tackle Broderick Jones, and he could become the O-line's anchor by the end of training camp—even if that isn't his goal in the early offseason.

"I’m not looking forward to winning the job right now," Jones told reporters. "My biggest focus is doing the best I can do, learning the playbook and being the best version of me."

A strong work ethic will serve Jones well, and he shouldn't take long to provide an upgrade over 2022 starter Dan Moore Jr., who was responsible for 10 penalties and seven sacks allowed last season, according to Pro Football Focus.

Fans should expect to see Jones in the lineup sooner than later and to become an early key contributor. He can help boost the protection in front of second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett and strengthen a rushing attack that ranked just 25th in yards per carry (4.1) last season.

Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State

AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

Pittsburgh Steelers second round draft pick, cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) runs a drill during the NFL football team's rookie minicamp in Pittsburgh Friday, May 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Round 2 (32nd overall)

The Steelers traded up for Jones. They passed on the chance to trade down on Day 2 in order to instead select cornerback Joey Porter Jr.

"It was like eight or nine teams that were interested, and we had some good offers," Kahn told Steelers.com Spanish-language reporter Alvaro Martin (h/t Josh Carney of Steelers Depot). "But in the end, we decided that we'd better stay there. We selected Joey Porter Jr., who was a player that we were really interested in."

Porter, the son of former Steelers linebacker Joey Porter, is more than just a player Pittsburgh liked. He's a polished 6'2" defender with a high enough floor to potentially start from day one.

"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 Bleacher Report Scouting Department wrote.

Last season, the 22-year-old recorded 27 tackles and an impressive 11 passes defended.

Porter will have a chance to start opposite Peterson early, and he should help improve a pass defense that ranked 25th in yards per attempt allowed (6.5) last season.

Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 02: Keeanu Benton of Wisconsin participates in the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 02, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Round 2 (49th overall)

Later in Round 2, the Steelers scooped up former Wisconsin defensive lineman Keeanu Benton. Like Jones and Porter, he could see a starting role early during his rookie campaign and quickly supplant Montravius Adams as Pittsburgh's primary run-stuffing nose tackle.

"Benton is a large defensive tackle who can be a space-eater as a run defender," Matt Holder of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. "He doesn't make a ton of plays, but he certainly can plug up gaps and there's a role for that type of player on any defense."

While Benton's ability to make plays in the backfield didn't regularly show up on tape in college, the 21-year-old believes that his pass-rush ability is overlooked.

"Keep letting it be underrated," he told reporters, "I'm gonna let my stats talk."

Benton did have 4.5 sacks in his final season with the Badgers, and he can learn a lot from veterans such as Cameron Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi in the coming months.

Expect Benton to keep a run defense that ranked ninth in yards allowed last season to continue rolling while providing a boost to the pass rush from the interior.