The Pittsburgh Steelers have had some of the greatest draft classes in NFL history. Kevin Colbert’s 2002, 2007, and 2010 draft classes were phenomenal drafts that delivered multiple starters. Tom Donahoe delivered one of his best efforts with the 1998 class. Dan Rooney, Chuck Noll, and Dick Haley had the second-best draft class in Steelers history in 1987, and of course, there is the best draft class in NFL history from 1974 that laid the foundation for four Super Bowl wins in six years and five Hall of Fame players.
It is still early, but there is no doubt that Omar Khan delivered a superb draft class in 2023. Khan and his partner Andy Weidl produced three rookie starting caliber talents, Broderick Jones, Joey Porter Jr. and Keeanu Benton, with their first three draft selections. Brooke Pryor from ESPN on Thursday pointed out that Khan’s inaugural draft class was already earning rave reviews after just one season.
“Grading a draft class after one season is premature, but the early returns of Khan’s first class as general manager are solid,” Pryor observed. “Not only did he manage to move up for a game-changing tackle, but he also turned an extra second-round pick , acquired in a trade that offloaded wide receiver Chase Claypool to the Bears, into Joey Porter Jr., a potential No. 1 corner and Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist. Later in the second round, the Steelers snagged defensive tackle Keeanu Benton, who was promising in extended snaps following injuries to Cameron Heyward and Montravius Adams.”
The trio were not just starters out of necessity. They each demonstrated ability as impact players. Porter is already the Steelers’ number one cornerback, and Benton is arguably the best defensive lineman behind a healthy Cam Heyward. Jones only got to play one game at his natural position, left tackle, and looked good doing it before he took over the right tackle job. Chukwuma Okorafor found his way to the bench and ultimately on the expressway out of Pittsburgh.
Steelers’ 7th Round Pick Spencer Anderson’s Outstanding Behind The Scenes Performance Might Translate To A Starting Role In 2024
Three starters in three picks is an impressive feat for a first year general manager, but Khan did not stop after his first three picks. Pryor reminds fans that the Steelers’ remaining healthy draft picks, Darnell Washington, Nick Herbig, and Spencer Anderson, all provided meaningful contributions during the 2023 season.
“Fourth-round linebacker Nick Herbig showed significant promise too, as he rotated onto the field more late in the season and recorded three sacks,” Pryor wrote. “Seventh-rounder Spencer Anderson got limited action primarily on special teams, while sixth-round cornerback Cory Trice Jr. suffered a season-ending injury in training camp. Outside of Trice, every rookie in the 2024 draft class, which also included tight end Darnell Washington, saw game action, and both Trice and Anderson could be in line for larger roles in 2024.”
Pittsburgh has a tough act to follow with the 2023 draft class. Khan and Weidl have set the bar high with their first effort, and the expectations from Steeler Nation may be unrealistic. It could seem like a letdown if the dynamic duo “only” finds two or three quality players in the 2024 draft. Especially, as Pryor observes, because of the multiple holes the Steelers still have on their roster.
“Now, Khan has an opportunity to follow up on that draft class with an encore performance in 2024,” Pryor concludes. “The Steelers holding at least seven picks in the draft including two fourth-round selections. In addition to evaluating the offensive line and quarterback groups, the Steelers should pay close attention to the cornerbacks, safeties, inside linebacker and defensive line groups.”
Khan has a lot of choices to make with the draft class and with additional cuts to free up salary cap space. Allen Robinson and Patrick Peterson are still on the table as possible cap casualties. The Steelers could find extra money for free agents by restructuring TJ Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Cam Heyward’s contracts as well.
