Players in the 2023 Pittsburgh Steelers rookie class have completed their third season. It’s time to see how Broderick Jones, Joey Porter, Keeanu Benton and Darnell Washington stacked up against their draft class contemporaries. I’ll also comment on the rest of the class.
Here is the link to their second-year update if you want to compare the statistical change from last season.
I’ll be recapping the Steelers rookie classes from 2021 to 2025. Here are the recaps already posted:
2025 Steelers Rookie Class: The latest rookie class after one season of play.
2024 Steelers Rookie Class: Three offensive line starters.
Here is how the Steelers picked in the first three rounds of the 2023 draft stack up statistically against their contemporaries after three seasons of play:
Offensive Tackle
Name G/GS O/ST Snaps Hold False Start Other Declined or offset Total Penalties Sacks Allowed Snaps per Pen Snaps per Sack
Paris Johnson 43/43 2805/169 13 3 2 6 18 17 165.2 165
Darnell Wright 49/49 3229/168 10 14 6 3 30 16 113.2 201.8
Peter Skoronski 48/48 3012/170 6 2 2 1 10 11 318.2 273.8
Broderick Jones 45/38 2472/149 7 2 4 0 13 22 201.6 112.4
Anton Harrison 48/48 3029/123 8 4 3 0 15 10 210.1 302.9
Stats from Pro Football Reference Except Sacks from Pro Football Focus
Tackle Summary
These five first-round offensive tackles from the 2023 draft class have started most games across their first three seasons, creating one of the stronger OT groups recently. Tennessee Titans’ Peter Skoronski shifted to guard early, so he’s excluded from tackle rankings (stats included on chart for reference).
Jacksonville Jaguars’ Anton Harrison stays at the top. He allowed only 10 sacks over 3029 offensive snaps (one every 302.9) — far superior to peers — and just 15 penalties total. His elite, consistent protection stands out.
Chicago Bears’ Darnell Wright ranks second. A 2023 PFWA All-Rookie selection (with Browns’ Dawand Jones), he earned second-team All-Pro in 2025, allowing just three sacks that year (plus 18 pressures) despite massive volume (3229 snaps). 30 penalties slightly lower his rate (113.2 per penalty). Arizona Cardinals’ Paris Johnson Jr. is third. He moved from right to left tackle in 2024 after D.J. Humphries’ retirement, delivering solid protection (17 sacks, 18 penalties) before a late-2025 knee injury placed him on IR.
Pittsburgh Steelers’ Broderick Jones ranks fourth. He transitioned from right to left tackle in 2025 and remained durable (38 starts in 45 games) but allowed a group-high 22 sacks (one every 112.4 snaps) and 13 penalties.
Most are set for fifth-year extensions; Harrison and Wright have emerged as elite anchors. We’ll see if GM Omar Khan extends Jones, who appeared confused on the field at times. Perhaps, the new OL coaches can get Jones back on track.
Cornerback
Stats via Pro Football Reference
Cornerback Summary
This 2023 first-round CB class has produced a strong mix of shutdown corners, high-volume contributors and injury-impacted talents. Rankings balance coverage efficiency (completion % and TDs allowed), playmaking (INTs, PDs, forced fumbles), tackling reliability, durability and overall impact (including penalties and awards).
Joey Porter Jr. (Pittsburgh Steelers) — The class’s premier coverage specialist. He allows the lowest completion percentage (54.0%) and just one touchdown on 215 targets, with 3 INTs and 31 pass breakups across 47 games and 2672 defensive snaps. Solid tackling (165 total, 9.3% missed) and high volume make him the shutdown leader, though 24 accepted penalties (257 yards—by far the most) and zero forced fumbles/ recoveries prevent an undisputed top spot.
Christian Gonzalez (New England Patriots) — Elite when healthy. Despite missing time early (34 games, 1958 snaps), he ties Porter with 3 INTs, allows only 5 TDs on 204 targets (56.9% completions), and boasts the group’s lowest missed-tackle rate (5.8%). His AP All-Pro second-team nod underscores a strong rebound.
Devon Witherspoon (Seattle Seahawks) — The accolades and volume king (43 games, 2708 snaps; three Pro Bowls, 2025 second-team All-Pro). Leads with 32 PDs and 249 tackles, plus 2 INTs and 2 forced fumbles. But 11 TDs allowed (second-most) and 10.8% missed tackles on most targets (231) reveal coverage vulnerabilities.
Quan Martin (Washington Commanders) — Versatile and durable (49 games, 2235 snaps). Leads with 4 forced fumbles and 3 INTs, plus 232 tackles and low missed tackles (8.7%). Middling coverage (65.1% completions, 8 TDs on 106 targets) and fewer PDs (10) fit his slot/safety hybrid role.
Deonte Banks (New York Giants) — Reliable volume (45 games, 2093 snaps) with 28 PDs, 2 INTs, and 147 tackles. But 14 TDs allowed (group-high), and 62.3% completions hurt his ranking.
Emmanuel Forbes (Los Angeles Rams, ex-Commanders) — Ballhawk with 5 INTs (class lead) and 31 PDs, but inconsistent (39 games, 1779 snaps). Worst missed-tackle rate (20.2%), 9 TDs allowed, and mid-2024 waiver/release limit his standing.
Julius Brents (Indianapolis Colts) — Injuries severely limit impact (18 games, 674 snaps). Decent per-snap numbers (1 INT, 7 PDs, 2 forced recoveries, 64.7% completions), but low volume keeps him last.
This remains a deep, talented group. Porter and Gonzalez shine in pure coverage; Witherspoon and Martin bring all-around value. Banks and Forbes have upside with better consistency; Brents is a health-dependent wildcard. Looking forward to seeing how Porter grows in Pittsburgh under new schemes.
Defensive Tackle
stats via Pro Football Reference
Defensive Tackle Summary
This 2023 DT class is anchored by a dominant force in Kobie Turner, with dependable starters and several hampered by injuries or limited roles. Rankings emphasize sustained production (sacks, TFLs, QB hits, tackles), efficiency (missed tackles, per-snap impact), durability (games/snaps) and meaningful plays.
Kobie Turner (Los Angeles Rams) — The undisputed top performer. Leads in sacks (24.0), TFLs (27), QB hits (43), tackles (167) and defensive snaps (2281) across 51 games. Low missed-tackle rate (6.7%), PFWA All-Rookie honors, Defensive Rookie of the Month (December 2023), and third in DROY voting cement him as a premier interior disruptor.
Bryan Bresee (New Orleans Saints) — Versatile and impactful with 14.5 sacks, 19 TFLs, 31 QB hits, and 86 tackles in 49 games. Leads DTs in PDs (12) and delivered signature moments (blocked FG to seal a win, forced fumble returned for TD). Reliable 8.5% missed tackles and strong durability.
Keeanu Benton (Pittsburgh Steelers) — Edges ahead on availability and consistency. Played every game (51), logged 1871 defensive snaps (second-highest), and contributed steadily: 7.5 sacks, 123 tackles (second-most), 9 TFLs, 28 QB hits, 3 forced fumbles (group lead), 9 PDs, and a 2024 INT. Solid 8.9% missed tackles. His every-game reliability trumps flashier but less consistent peers.
Gervon Dexter (Chicago Bears) — Strong pressure creator with 13.5 sacks, class-leading 42 QB hits and 4 fumble recoveries in 49 games. Good volume (1714 snaps) despite 9.4% missed tackles; his interior disruption keeps him ahead of injury-limited talents.
Calijah Kancey (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) — Explosive when available (11.5 sacks, 22 TFLs, 30 QB hits in 29 games). Low missed tackles (6.8%) and Rookie of the Month (November 2023) show high upside, but injuries (calf in 2023, torn pec in 2025 missing 14 games) drop him below more durable producers.
Mazi Smith (New York Jets, ex-Cowboys) — Traded mid-2025; modest output (42 games, 2 sacks, 7 TFLs, 57 tackles). Low missed tackles (6.6%) but little disruption.
Brodric Martin (Las Vegas Raiders, ex-Lions/Steelers) — Minimal impact (6 games, 63 snaps, 4 tackles). Waived by Lions after IR, brief Pittsburgh stint, claimed by Raiders.
Turner is the star. Bresee, Benton and Dexter provide reliable starting value. Benton’s full-season consistency and Dexter’s pressure edge them over Kancey’s flashes. Steelers fans have reason to feel good about Benton’s steady foundation heading into Year 4.
Tight End
Name G Snaps D/ST TGTs RECs Yds Y/R SUC% Y/G Ctch% Drop% Points
Dalton Kincaid 41 1472/5 215 156 1692 10.8 60.0 41.3 72.6 5.1 54
Sam LaPorta 42 2408/19 252 186 2104 11.3 58.7 50.1 73.8 2.4 124
Michael Mayer 38 1527/194 122 83 788 9.5 52.5 20.7 68.0 3.3 20
Luke Musgrave 35 1041/127 87 65 649 10.0 50.6 18.5 74.7 4.6 6
Luke Schoonmaker 51 1170/604 74 49 438 8.9 50.0 8.6 66.2 5.4 18
Brenton Strange 43 1473/370 122 91 986 10.8 62.3 22.9 74.6 5.7 36
Tucker Kraft 42 1985/339 154 113 1551 13.7 62.3 36.9 73.4 5.2 92
Darnell Washington 50 1641/342 78 57 625 11.0 62.8 12.5 73.1 5.1 14
Cameron Latu 15 103/257 0 0 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0
stats via Pro Football Reference
Tight End Summary
The 2023 TE draft class remains led by proven producers, with Sam LaPorta (Detroit Lions) still the clear standout. He holds a Pro Bowl (2023), AP second-team All-Pro (2023) and All-Rookie honors, leading in receptions (186), yards (2104), yards per game (50.1) and points (124) across 42 games. In playoffs (four games), he added 27 catches for 227 yards and 2 TDs. Even with a 2025 season shortened by back surgery (40 rec, 489 yds, 3 TDs in 9 games), his overall resume dominates.
Tucker Kraft (Green Bay Packers) rises to second. Selected seventh in this group, he excels with 13.7 Y/R (class-high), 62.3% success rate and 92 points on 113 catches for 1551 yards in 42 games. Ranked 7th in NFL for 15.3 Y/R in 2025 (32 rec, 489 yds, 6 TDs despite missing 9 games on IR). Two playoff appearances and big-play ability make him a value steal for Green Bay.
Dalton Kincaid (Buffalo Bills) ranks third. Pro Bowler in 2025 (149.2 passer rating when targeted, class-high efficiency), with 156 rec, 1692 yds, and 54 points in 41 games. Strong 72.6% catch rate and low 5.1% drops, plus three playoff years, keep him ahead despite middling Y/R (10.8). Brenton Strange (Jacksonville Jaguars) holds fourth with balanced stats (91 rec, 986 yds, 36 points in 43 games) and solid 74.6% catch rate.
Darnell Washington (Pittsburgh Steelers) sits fifth. Durable (50 games, 1641 snaps), he shines in efficiency (73.1% catch rate, 5.1% drops, 62.8% success rate) and blocking/YAC as a battering ram. But limited targets (78) and production (57 rec, 625 yds, 14 points) plus a late-2025 injury hurt his receiving impact — though two playoff years add value.
Bottom group: Michael Mayer (Cincinnati Bengals) injuries/IR in 2024-25, lowest catch % at 68.0%; Luke Musgrave (Green Bay Packers) missed 16 games early, lowest success rate; Luke Schoonmaker (Dallas Cowboys) mostly blocking, low receiving output; Cameron Latu (San Francisco 49ers) 2025 debut, mostly special teams. LaPorta sets the bar; Kraft and Kincaid emerge as high-upside threats. Washington’s blocking edge gives Steelers hope for more targets under new schemes — steady foundation with room to grow.
Day Three Selections
The Steelers’ day three selections included Nick Herbig, Cory Trice Jr. and Spencer Anderson. No rookie undrafted free agents in 2023 played. David Perales stuck around for a while but did not last.
Stats from Pro Football Reference
Nick Herbig has proven an effective rotational player and spot starter. In 2024, he tied for fourth in the league with four forced fumbles. An impact player, Herbig scored on a fumble recovery in 2025. He added three more forced fumbles to total nine in three years. Pittsburgh should lock him in with a contract extension before he hits free agency at the end of this upcoming season.
Defensive back Cory Trice played his first snaps in 2024 after missing his rookie year due to a knee injury. Unfortunately, hamstring and knee injuries kept him on injured reserve in 2025. He may not make it through training camp with new coaching staff. Unrealized potential undermined by a fragile body.
Seventh round offensive lineman Spencer Anderson played in all 17 games in 2024 and 2025 after appearing in eight games his rookie season. He started 11 games at guard, fills in at tackle at guard and contributes to special teams. His versatility to play all five line positions a huge plus. He may get opportunity to replace Isaac Seumalo in 2026.
STEELERS DEPOT ROOKIE ARTICLES
Here are links to recent Steelers Depot Articles on the Steelers 2023 Draft Class and Undrafted Free Agent David Perales:
Broderick Jones: ‘Trai Essex Says Jones the Underdog in 2026’ by Jeremy Pike
Joey Porter Jr.: ‘Exit Meeting – Joey Porter Jr.’ by Matthew Marczi
Keeanu Benton: ‘Fittipaldo Questions Benton’s Value’ by Matthew Marczi
Darnell Washington: Will Darnell Lose Playing Time Under McCarthy? by Matthew Marczi
Nick Herbig: ESPN Analyst Wants ‘Change of Scenery’ for Herbig by Joe Clark
Spencer Anderson: Anderson Plys Role a Potential Future Starter by Alex Kozora
David Perales: Steelers waive Perales Off Injured Reserve by Joe Clark
CONCLUSION
The new coaching staff under Mike McCarthy will determine the value of the Steelers 2023 rookie class. The very first class selected by Omar Khan as General Manager.
There are still unanswered questions in 2026. Will Steelers offer Broderick Jones fifth year option? Will Joey Porter Jr. develop into an All-Pro CB? Can Keeanu Benton anchor the defensive line? Will Darnell Washington lose playing time or continue an upward trajectory? Will Steelers extend Nick Herbig’s contract? Can Spence Anderson perform as a fulltime starting guard?
The answers to these questions will determine the strength of this class.
Your Music Selection
I always like to include a bit of music. The 2023 Steelers rookies must get better to prove their worth as a whole. Here is Getting Better performed by The Beatles.
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