Steelers 2023 rookie class continues to look legit

The Steelers (3-2) somehow sit atop the AFC North after the first five weeks of the season and much of their success can be attributed to their 2023 draft class. Here's how Pittsburgh's top rookies have been performing.

Left tackle Broderick Jones, pick No. 14

Jones earned his first NFL start in Week 5 after Dan Moore Jr. went down with a knee sprain and he certainly looked the part. The Steelers first-round pick allowed zero pressures and had a 97.6% run block win rate. Pittsburgh traded up to draft the massive 6-foot-5, 311-pound left tackle, who may not sit on the bench again if he continues playing the way he has in Moore Jr.'s absence.

Cornerback Joey Porter Jr., pick No. 32

Porter Jr., the son of former Steelers LB Joey Porter, has looked very good in his limited action. The rookie cornerback has allowed just one catch for 12 yards in 76 coverage snaps and made a touchdown-saving interception that aided a Steelers' comeback win against the Ravens. Porter Jr. was Pro Football Focus' highest-graded CB for his lockdown performance. Veteran cornerbacks Patrick Peterson and Levi Wallace are still ahead of him on the depth chart, but Porter Jr. deserves a chance to start following the team's Week 6 bye.

Defensive tackle Keeanu Benton, pick No. 49

Benton has arguably see the most playing time of Pittsburgh's rookie class due to DT Cameron Heyward's groin injury that is expected to sideline him for up to eight weeks. The rookie defensive lineman has filled in nicely, totaling 13 tackles, a forced fumble and his first career sack. Benton's play has quickly caught the attention of his veteran teammates.

"I've told guys this before, man, he's got a really high ceiling," defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi said. "He's a special player. You love to see it. He works hard and he's aggressive. The more he plays, the slower the game gets. You're seeing more and more splash plays from him. I'm excited to see him keep growing."

Tight end Darnell Washington, pick No. 93

Washington has also seen a lot of playing time as the Steelers have taken full advantage of his massive 6-foot-7, 265-pound frame in the run game. The rookie tight end has just one catch for 10 yards but he will continue to grow as a pass catcher as long as tight end Pat Freiermuth, who is dealing with a hamstring injury, is out. However, even with a healthy Freiermuth back in the lineup, Washington will continue seeing more reps if he makes gaps like this in the run game.