Steelers make notable post-draft improvements according to PFF
Pittsburgh had to address major holes on their roster in 2023, both through free agency and the NFL Draft. As far as I can see, they have done just that, putting an emphasis on improving their biggest liabilities along the offensive line and in the defense's secondary. Well, Sam Monson of PFF seemingly agrees, naming […]
Pittsburgh had to address major holes on their roster in 2023, both through free agency and the NFL Draft.
As far as I can see, they have done just that, putting an emphasis on improving their biggest liabilities along the offensive line and in the defense's secondary.
Well, Sam Monson of PFF seemingly agrees, naming the Steelers one of his most improved teams following the 2023 NFL Draft. Here's why:
Pittsburgh wasn’t just adding quality players throughout their draft, but it an adding them at important positions, providing good value relative to the PFF big board, and players that will likely start from the get-go, said Monson. Broderick Jones will start at tackle to help upgrade an offensive line that has been solid but unspectacular in recent years. Jones didn’t allow a sack last season at Georgia, surrendering just nine total pressures on almost 500 pass-blocking snaps.
Joey Porter Jr., ending up in Pittsburgh is a feel-good story given the career his father had for the team, but he also fills a need and fits better within this defense than many corners in the draft, added Monson. Porter is the best press-man cover corner in this class with absurd length (34-inch arms) and 12 forced incompletions last season. If he can develop a little nuance to his play in zone coverage, he could become one of the best corners in this class.
Keeanu Benton should add some disruption to the defensive line, which is in need of some remedial work, noted Monson. He had an 83.4 PFF grade against true pass sets last season and an elite 10.5% run-stop rate.
In the third round, Darnell Washington was exceptional value, said Monson. His potential was perhaps overstated by many before the draft, but at 6-foot-6 and 264 pounds, Washington is a rare physical specimen at the tight end position who can erase defensive backs on screens and has more pass-game chops than he’s given credit for. Two of their Day 3 picks have a chance to earn playing time sooner rather than later as part of a rotation or depth at key areas.
Bravo Monson, bravo. Pittsbrugh undoubtedly improved their team, based on positional value and fit if nothing else. The final grades will take a few years, but Pittsburgh used their first three picks on critical factor positions, then added the greatest hybrid in the class by way of Darnell Washington. Hopefully, the hype in May turns out to be a reality by Thanksgiving.
