Steelers draft grades for every 2023 pick: Joey Porter Jr. a dream, Darnell Washingon a welcome risk
Round 2, Pick 32 — Penn State CB Joey Porter Jr.
Joey Porter Jr. wasn’t just a Steelers legacy as the son of All-Pro linebacker Joey Porter. He also had a legitimate first round grade that could have warranted Pittsburgh picking him instead of going up to get Jones.
The fact that the Steelers got both needs covered with ideal picks warrants an A+.
The 6-foot-2 cornerback has great length for the position and the physicality to go toe-to-toe with NFL level wide receivers.
Last year for Penn State, he had 11 pass defenses with 27 tackles and a quarterback hurry.
Grade: A+
Round 2, Pick 49 — Wisconsin DT Keeanu Benton
The Steelers took advantage of draft chaos to make picks above their station at positions of need. That’s what happened with Porter Jr. and it happened not long later with Wisconsin’s Keeanu Benton.
Benton is a 6-foot-4, 309-pounder on the defensive line who has every chance to step in as an immediate starter at nose tackle. Rated 40th on Daniel Jeremiah’s Big Board, getting him at 49 was a win.
Playing defensive tackle in 2022 for Wisconsin, Benton had 10 tackles for loss including 4.5 sacks. He also batted down two passes.
Grade: A