Rd 1, Pick 14: Broderick Jones – OT – Georgia
Jones played mostly LT in college but there are whispers he might be destined for the RT in Pittsburgh. The Steelers shelved the power running game after the bye last year in favor of the zone rush; Jones’ addition could put those pages back in Matt Canada’s playbook.
Rd 2, Pick 32: Joey Porter Jr – CB – Penn State
Porter was barely tested in college – for good reason. Playing behind the best pass rush in football is going to give him plenty of chances to dispel the myth of his subpar ball skills. Stop thinking of him as Joey Porter’s son; he’s made his own name.
Rd 2, Pick 49: Keeanu Benton – DT – Wisconsin
Benton won’t win with speed but the Steelers have plenty of speed. This four-year starter has a wrestling background and a prize-fighter’s hands. He’ll play in the middle of a defense that already spreads blocking schemes thinner than butter melting on a hot English muffin. He’ll get his chances but I’m more excited thinking about the chances he’ll bring the other guys.
Rd 3, Pick 93: Darnell Washington – TE – Georgia
Possibly the steal of the draft. A big-body red zone threat who’s more than a tall receiver. Finally a legit in-line blocker in Pittsburgh. It’s hard to tell who should be more pleased with the addition: Kenny or Najee.
Rd 4, Pick 132: Nick Herbig – OLB – Wisconsin
Don’t start with the nepotism angle; Nate Herbig has only been here for a month and a half. Nick was drafted because of his pass rush repertoire, his plan, and his versatility to help out an under-staffed off-ball linebacker room.
Rd 7, Pick 241: Cory Trice – CB – Purdue
Trice is a 6’3″ press corner with a career 3.2% missed tackle rate. He slid because of medical concerns but he’s got all the tools and all the upside in the world. Don’t be surprised if he makes Ahkello Witherspoon expendable.
Rd 7, Pick 251: Spencer Anderson – IOL – Maryland
In his five years at Maryland Anderson logged time at all five OL positions and only allowed five sacks. The Steelers have historically prized that kind of versatility in their OL depth. Light a candle for Kendrick Green.
CamBlackburnWrites 