Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Pittsburgh Steelers Post-Draft 2023 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a post-draft roundup for the Pittsburgh Steelers in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 15

Most improved: Offensive line

The Steelers made an aggressive move to get Georgia offensive tackle Broderick Jones in the first round, further boosting an offensive line that was lackluster in the first half of the 2022 season. Though the Steelers' line got better in the second half of the season, the organization made significant moves to improve the group for 2023, not only by drafting Jones, but by signing former Eagles starting guard Isaac Seumalo and depth-helpful Nate Herbig.

NFL.com -- Rank: 15

A lack of consistency on the offensive line has held the Steelers back since the end of the Ben Roethlisberger era. Perhaps the team's decision to trade up in the first round to secure Georgia offensive tackle Broderick Jones at 14th overall will be remembered as the start of a new era of success in the trenches. This is all part of a pattern in recent seasons, as Pittsburgh continues to use the top of its draft board to build a foundation for the offense. In 2021, it was running back Najee Harris; last year, it was Kenny Pickett; and now, a blind-side blocker for the young quarterback. The goal is to develop and contend at the same time.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 16

If second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett can take the next step, they will be much higher than this. That's the main question hanging over this team. Improving the line in front of him is a must.

USA Today -- Rank: 14

QB Kenny Pickett better be prepared to deliver in Year 2, because HC Mike Tomlin and GM Omar Khan have put a first-rate supporting cast around him.

The Athletic -- Rank: 14

Draft takeaway: What's not to like? A left tackle to protect Kenny Pickett in the first round, the welcome-home second-round pick of Joey Porter Jr., the Darnell Washington Round 3 steal, and the reunion of the Herbig brothers. Pittsburgh's steady climb back to relevance, without ever bottoming out, continues.

Hype man: Yinz should never have let us bring Porter home. Would you let Ray Lewis' son go to Baltimore or Joe Burrow's son go to Cincinnati or Michael Dunn's kid land back in Cleveland? Thanks for the gift.

Darnell Downer: After we finished No. 1 in adjusted games lost last season, injuries could hit us hard in a debilitating way.

PFF -- Rank: 17

Both Broderick Jones and Joey Porter Jr. should be immediate impact players, but Jones will likely have the biggest impact out of the gate given the development curves from college to the NFL for cornerbacks. Jones also replaces Dan Moore Jr. at left tackle, which should be an upgrade and continue to help Kenny Pickett develop at quarterback. Georgia tight end Darnell Washington, who Pittsburgh selected in Round 3, can effectively be used as an extra blocker and creates a dynamic tandem with Pat Freiermuth.

Wisconsin interior defender Keeanu Benton will be a great rotational piece behind Cam Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi, with the ability to clog the middle against the run and also offer some pass-rush juice from various alignments.

PFT -- Rank: 16

NFL position group with the most surprising 2023 makeover: the Steelers' secondary, with corners Patrick Peterson and Joey Porter Jr. and safety Keanu Neal. Every one of those is a double take.

More Pittsburgh Steelers pages:

Check out more of our content:

Keep track of our site's updates: (1) follow us on Twitter, (2) like us on Facebook and/or (3) subscribe to our newsletter.