The Pittsburgh Steelers addressed, arguably, the two biggest needs for the team in the first two rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft. After trading up to the 14th overall pick on Thursday, the team selected future franchise left tackle, Broderick Jones out of the University of Georgia. Fast forward almost 24 hours later and the organization stayed loyal to the Porter bloodline. Instead of trading the 32nd overall pick, the franchise selected cornerback, Joey Porter Jr.
Penn State cornerback, Joey Porter Jr. was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 32nd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. | Photo Credit: Joe Hermitt / Penn Live
With the team's third pick in the draft and 49th overall, Pittsburgh has selected defensive lineman out of the University of Wisconsin, Keeanu Benton. The move comes as no surprise as the Steelers have showed interest in Benton all offseason. The 6'4", 315-pound defensive lineman had 10 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in his last season with the Badgers.
Pittsburgh adds another Badger to the defensive front and while he didn't play with TJ Watt in college, he now will get a chance to in the NFL. Benton joins Jones and Porter Jr. in the team's 2023 draft class. All three players had private 'Top 30' meetings with the Steelers leading up to the draft.
University of Wisconsin defensive lineman, Keeanu Benton (#95) celebrates a big stop in Madison, Wisconsin at Camp Randall Stadium. | Photo Credit: David Stluka / uwbadgers.com
Steelers Hit Biggest Needs With First Three Picks In 2023 NFL Draft
Pittsburgh isn't messing around. The top three needs heading into the draft were offensive line, cornerback and a big man in the trenches on defense. That's exactly what the team has done. A strong free agency has allowed the front office to not panic with little draft capital and now three solid players are heading to the Steel City, all of which should make an immediate impact.
Do you like the Steelers pick at #49 with Benton? Let us know in the comments below!
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