Steelers general manager Omar Khan had a weekend to remember, assembling one of the NFL's top draft classes. However, was it the best in the league?
Of course, only time will tell but it certainly can turn out that way. Pro Football Focus gave the Steelers an A+ draft grade as they addressed all of their biggest needs.
A+ Draft for the Steelers pic.twitter.com/w4X34bBsMW
— PFF (@PFF) April 30, 2023
Khan was aggressive as a run on offensive tackles was taking place. He made a trade with the Patriots to jump the tackle-needy Jets and landed QB Kenny Pickett's future blindside blocker in Broderick Jones, who is a massive 6-foot-5, 311 pounds.
Pittsburgh then got a little lucky as CB Joey Porter Jr. fell out of the first round and right into its lap at pick No. 32. Porter Jr. ranked as PFF's No. 21 overall prospect and fourth-best corner.
The Steelers love family ties, and he now gets to play for his dad's old team.
Joey Porter, Jr.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 28, 2023
Like father, like son. pic.twitter.com/KKk5SAAx0o
Pittsburgh then added some much-needed depth to its defensive line and tight end room in DT Keeanu Benton, TE Darnell Washington and LB Nate Herbig. All were one of the best players available when they were selected.
One scout even told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler that Washington's fall was "laughable" and that "he will play a long time."
What made the Steelers' draft class so great was that they found value in every round they selected in.
Pittsburgh's seventh-round pick, CB Cory Trice Jr., is a clear example of that as he ranked as PFF's No. 77 overall prospect and the 14th-best cornerback.
"Overall I thought Pittsburgh had a really good draft. From top to bottom they got a lot of value to add to that young core," NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah tweeted.
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