Mike Tomlin likes to rely on veterans, but these three rookies are going to play big roles for the Steelers this season if Pittsburgh is going to win big.
The Pittsburgh Steelers managed to scrape out a winning record in 2022, but Mike Tomlin and the team's brain trust want more than nine wins heading into 2023. To achieve that goal, Pittsburgh needs big contributions from its incoming rookie class.
The good news for fans in Steel City is that this rookie class looks capable of making an immediate impact. The front office did a good job of filling needs via the draft without reaching on talent. That's the hallmark of a good organization.
Tomlin might prefer to stick with veterans but he'll be forced to trust rookies this year. Steelers fans should keep a particularly close eye on the following three first-year guys.
Steelers rookies looking like starters: 3. Darnell Washington
Pat Freirmuth is rightfully entrenched as the team's No. 1 tight end but Darnell Washington has too much talent to ignore. His freakish combination of size and speed will make him a trusted target for quarterback Kenny Pickett.
It might take a few weeks for Washington to force his way into the starting lineup, but he's a unique weapon that's going to find a way to make splash plays for the Pittsburgh offense. Look for the Steelers to work in a lot of two tight end sets to get Freirmuth and Washington on the field together.
It's also possible that Washington will be deployed in the slot as a big target for Pickett to utilize on intermediate routes in the middle of the field. He'll be particularly effective in the red zone during his rookie campaign. He might not catch a ton of passes but he'll find his way into the end zone multiple times.
Steelers rookies looking like starters: 2. Joey Porter Jr.
Steelers fans appreciated the franchise spending a second-round pick on Porter Jr. after his dad's excellent career with the franchise. The reality is that he's got the talent required to boost the team's secondary no matter what his last name happens to be.
Free agency departures make it a virtual lock that Porter is going to start the season as his team's starter opposite veteran Patrick Peterson. The former Penn State standout has the physical tools required to compete with high-quality wideouts on the outside, but he will need to work on his technique to avoid committing too many penalties at the next level.
It would be wise for defensive coordinator Teryl Austin to avoid overexposing his rookie in the early season. That might blunt some of All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick's ability to free-lance and make plays, but it will be better for the viability of the defense overall.
Fans might need to be patient with Porter Jr. in the early going but the coaching staff doesn't have the luxury of easing him into meaningful snaps. He'll need to play right away if Pittsburgh's secondary is going to improve after an ugly 2022 campaign. The important thing for Porter Jr. will have the mental toughness required to move past mental mistakes he will inevitably make early in the regular season.
Steelers rookies looking like starters: 1. Broderick Jones
Washington isn't the only former Georgia star who needs to make an immediate impact as a rookie for the Steelers. Broderick Jones will be counted on to protect Pickett's blind side as soon as the regular season begins.
That won't surprise any Steelers fans after watching their favorite team spend a first-round draft pick on the athletic tackle prospect. Jones isn't going to enter the league as a finished product, but he possesses all the physical tools required to develop into a high-quality starter at the premium position.
One underrated aspect of Jones' game is his ability to be a high-level run blocker. He was a true road grader in college and he has the burst required to boost Pittsburgh's run game right away. If Tomlin can tap into his nasty streak it could really boost Najee Harris' ability to grind out yards running behind the talented tackle.
Trusting a rookie to start immediately at left tackle isn't an ideal solution for a team with postseason aspirations, but it's time for the Steelers to turn the page to the talented youngster. Any early-season mistakes committed by Jones should be chalked up to rookie mistakes. He should develop into an above-average starter by the time the playoffs roll around.
