The Pittsburgh Steelers entered uncharted waters this offseason. For the first time in over two decades, the man steering the ship had a different name. But in his first draft as GM, Omar Khan hit a grand slam. 

Overall, Khan and the 2023 draft class earned an A grade when you break down their picks in totality. But in today's exercise, we will be grading each pick individually, with some obviously receiving more praise than others. 

So with the hay in the barn, and the draft closed, let's dive into all seven selections of the Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 draft class. 

Steelers Draft: Final grades for the 2023 Class

Broderick Jones, Grade: A+

Jones was the obvious choice for the Steelers in round one. Between a glaring need at left tackle, the relationship between Pittsburgh and Georgia Football, and their positioning on draft night, to only give up a fourth-round pick to move up three spots may prove to be invaluable. 

Joey Porter Jr., Grade: A

Another pick that was an easy alignment, the need, player profile, and in this case, bloodlines all matched up to make Porter Jr. an obvious choice. The fact they were able to stay put at the start of round two and make the pick is even sweeter, thus the A grade. 

Keeanu Benton, Grade: A+

Pound for pound, this may be the best value pick of the Steelers draft given his plug-and-play ability at nose tackle, and the fact that Pittsburgh got Benton at 49 overall, when no one would have batted an eye if he went round one. Benton fits the size parameters of the Steelers’ odd front, and their positional thresholds, immediately becoming the best 0-technique on the roster. 

Darnell Washington, Grade: B

I loved the value of Washington late on day two, as he is one of my favorite prospects in this class. His combination of ready-made blocking and absurd athleticism given his frame made him a top-50 projection. But unfortunately, Washington is rumored to have fallen due to a previously unknown knee injury. Hopefully, it’s something Pittsburgh is confident he can work through and produce on the field. 

Nick Herbig, Grade: C

Look, I love Herbig the prospect. His bend, burst, and athletic frame are what I covet in edge prospects. The problem? His size would be a huge outlier in the Steelers edge room, as he tipped the scales at 6’2″ and 240 pounds with 31′ arms at the Combine. For reference, both starting edge players in Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt are over 6’3″, play in the 250’s-260’s and have over 33′ arms. Herbig has the potential to overcome this though so hopefully he finds a role as a designated pass rusher. 

Cory Trice Jr, Grade: A

You’re probably wondering how a seventh-round pick could garner an A grade, but from what I have gathered, Trice was another medical question, or else he could have gone as early as round three. He is a long press corner that held his own against some of the best receivers in the Big-10, making him tremendous value if he can clear medically. 

Spencer Anderson, Grade: C

Anderson is a large center, measuring in at over 6’5 and nearly 310 pounds. He was listed as an offensive lineman on his draft card, meaning the Steelers may envision him at guard if he makes the roster. 

In all, Steelers fans should be enamored with this draft class. Pittsburgh stuck to the power five well, selecting players from the best conferences in college football by way of the SEC and BIG-10. 

So while it will take at least three seasons to fully grade this class, the early returns are very positive and should make everyone who bleeds black and gold grin from ear to ear.