This Sunday marks the opening week of the 2023 NFL season. The Pittsburgh Steelers look to have a big year after making big strides in the offseason. Seven players on the Steelers’ 53-man roster are rookies and will be making their regular season debuts. A few of them have already assumed some big roles on this team, and others have at least earned a depth spot. Here’s what you can expect from the seven Pittsburgh Steelers rookies in the 2023 season.
What to Expect from the 2023 Pittsburgh Steelers Rookies
The Steelers had seven picks in this offseason’s draft and six of them will play in Week 1. The lone draftee who won’t play is Cory Trice, who was placed on season-ending IR but would’ve likely made the team. In addition to the six rookies, Pittsburgh will have receiver Calvin Austin making his debut despite it being his second season. An injury in 2022 kept him away from the field all year last year, but he’s ready to make a statement with his speed. Overall, the team will have two skill players, two offensive linemen, and three defensive players making their debut against the 49ers.
WR Calvin Austin III
Austin has shown flashes of potential in a few preseason games. The speedy receiver has several tools that could make him a productive NFL receiver. Austin starts the year as the WR4 on the depth chart behind Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, and Allen Robinson. He could have a decent role as a receiver despite not even being in the top three. He’ll also be the primary punt returner, as he played that position very well in the preseason. It’s hard to see Austin getting a large number of targets with the three receivers and Pat Freiermuth ahead of him. But, he should see between 25 and 40 catches this season and could score a few times using his exceptional speed and playmaking ability.
TE Darnell Washington
Just like Austin, Washington’s tape is phenomenal but he won’t get a steady volume in Year 1. The big, dominant tight end from Georgia was coined as a draft steal for the Steelers. He will actually be the backup tight end this year which means he’ll be used in run-heavy and goal-line plays quite often. Pittsburgh will try to use his strength and blocking ability to create space in both aspects of the offense. He likely won’t see a large number of targets but could see similar numbers to Austin (see above).
OT Broderick Jones + OL Spencer Anderson
Jones and Anderson are rookie offensive linemen who help make up the nine guys at the position. Jones, the large tackle from Georgia, starts the year as the backup LT behind Dan Moore. Both did pretty well in the preseason but the Steelers won’t throw Jones, a rookie, to the wolves just yet. Being a first-round pick, Jones is expected to have a bright future but still needs time to develop into an NFL-caliber tackle. Anderson, on the other hand, is a versatile lineman who can play both the guard and tackle positions pretty well. He starts the year simply as a depth piece and will only play in the event of injuries. But, he was good enough to make the 53-man roster which placed him over several other options on the offensive line.
DT Keeanu Benton + LB Nick Herbig
The pair of defenders from Wisconsin will look to make big impacts in their first year. Both Benton and Herbig wowed in the preseason and they have more than earned roles on this team. As of now, Benton is listed as the second defensive tackle so he’ll see a lot of rotational snaps on the line. Benton does a great job of getting involved in plays and uses his strength to stop the run. Herbig, on the other hand, is an outside linebacker who could see some serious time in 2023. Behind only TJ Watt, Herbig is primed to make an impact at the position. He racked up 3.5 sacks and ten total tackles in a lower amount of snaps. Herbig wasn’t projected to be anything amazing, but so far he is defying those predictions. Look for the two young Wisconsin defenders to make a name for themselves in 2023.
CB Joey Porter Jr.
Wrapping up the list is perhaps one of the more promising and talented rookies: Joey Porter Jr. Porter was taken with the 32nd overall pick and has immediately impressed many. He will be a starting cornerback this year and looks to use his frame and physicality to produce. Porter could produce a decent amount of passes defended this year, and notch a few interceptions too. The Steelers have helped Porter by supporting him with several veterans and studs at the position. There may be some rough spots but he could establish himself as a great corner in just year one.
Main Photo: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
