We weren't sure if Omar Khan and the Pittsburgh Steelers would be able to maneuver into the 5th or 6th round or if they'd just have to stay put with two selections in the 7th round. Well now we know as the Steelers are getting set to make their first of two selections in the 7th round. This selection comes hours after the Steelers made Nick Herbig their pick at #132 in the fourth round.
USA Today
New Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig attempts to sack the Iowa quarterback during a Big Ten game
With only a few holes to be plugged the Steelers will begin their selections in the 7th round with very little depth spots to plug. The pick is in, and with the 241th pick in the 7th round the Steelers select Cory Trice Jr, cornerback from Purdue.
This is what NFL.com has to say about Trice.
"While he has legitimate strong safety size, Trice’s game is better suited for the cornerback position. He is physical in coverage but lacks the same temperament in run support. His size and strength help impede the early stages of a route and smother possession throws underneath. He’s a decent athlete but lacks ideal fluidity and speed to recover when beaten, so press and zone coverages are where he should live. While there are limitations, there is also room for technical growth to make him a better pro. He won’t be for everyone, but teams valuing size over speed will covet him as a middle-round pick with upside."
Recapping The Steelers 2023 NFL Draft Picks
Round 1 - Pick #14 - Broderick Jones -- Jones joins the Steelers as an instant starter at left tackle. Jones is a dominant force against the run and a sturdy pass blocker that allowed 0 sacks in 454 pass plays last season at Georgia.
Round 2 - Pick #32 - Joey Porter Jr -- Porter comes to the Steelers after spending the majority of his life with his father playing or coaching for the team. Porter has a long frame that allows him to make up space once the ball is in the air. His playing time at the beginning of the season might be limited on a roster that features Levi Wallace, Patrick Peterson, and Ahkello Witherspoon. But based on recent history it won't be a surprise if Wallace or Witherspoon miss time with an injury. If that happens they may never get their spot back from Porter.
AP Photo / Doug McSchooler
Round 2 - Pick #49 - Keeanu Benton -- Benton could be an immediate starter at the nose tackle position if he has a strong training camp. Pittsburgh lacks a true stud in the middle of their line. Benton's brute force should make him a sturdy pillar in the middle of the defensive line to free up the linebackers to do their job in the 3-4 defense.
Round 3 - Pick #93 - Darnell Washington -- Washington was a pick that no one believed would be around late in the third round. Fortunately for the Steelers, and unfortunately for him concerns over his knee caused him to plummet. Washington is instantly the best blocking tight end for the Steelers and is someone that could develop into a down the field threat. He ran a 4.6 40 yard dash at 265 pounds.
Round 4 - Pick #132 - Nick Herbig -- Herbig joins a depleted outside linebacker room. After TJ Watt, and Alex Highsmith there isn't much of anything. Outside linebacker coach Denzel Martin confirmed in his press conference that Herbig will stay outside and they'll ask him to put some muscle on. With a strong camp Herbig could work his way onto the field spelling Highsmith and Watt.
Steelers 2023 NFL Draft Trades
-- Steelers send pick #17 and #120 to Patriots for pick #14
-- Steelers send pick #80 to Panthers for pick #93 and #132
