Steelers rumors: 3 veterans who could possibly be lower after 2023 NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers draft class was universally praised by scouts and pundits alike. Whereas that’s nice for the group, some veteran gamers have a goal on their again.

The Steelers draft class — a minimum of on the floor — seems to be one in all their finest in latest reminiscence. Pittsburgh traded up for Broderick Jones, after which withstood the check of spectacular commerce provides and as an alternative took Joey Porter Jr. Past that, the Steelers crammed key wants on the offensive line and defensive facet of the soccer.

It went about in addition to one might hope. For a greater image, right here is the entire Pittsburgh draft class:

• Broderick Jones – Offensive Deal with – Spherical 1
• Joey Porter Jr. – Cornerback – Spherical 2
• Keeanu Benton – Defensive Lineman – Second Spherical
• Darnell Washington – Tight Finish – Third Spherical
• Nick Herbig – Linebacker – Fourth Spherical
• Cory Trice Jr. – Defensive Again – Seventh Spherical
• Spencer Anderson – Offensive Lineman – Seventh Spherical

After the draft, Pittsburgh remained within the undrafted free agent market, as nicely, stealing a number of the finest gamers that different groups left off their draft boards.

So, what does all this imply for the roster make-up? That’ll all work itself out in offseason minicamp and coaching camp, however for now these veteran gamers are on the new seat.

Steelers rumors: Zach Gentry is on the new seat

Zach Gentry is a worthwhile blocking tight finish on the Pittsburgh roster, and pairs properly with Pat Freiermuth. Nonetheless, if the Steelers proved something within the NFL Draft, it’s that they aren’t pleased with their tight finish group as is.

That’s why they drafted Darnell Washington out of Georgia. Washington was thought of one of many extra underrated tight finish prospects on this class, and he’s blissful to run routes or run block when essential. Washington is reunited with Georgia teammates Broderick Jones and George Pickens.

“The emotion is loopy. It is a dream come true,” mentioned Washington. “Not solely that, it comes with perks enjoying with my outdated teammate, George (Pickens) and Broderick Jones being on the identical crew. It’s arduous for me to talk proper now due to how blissful I’m. Simply to be a Steeler. An excellent franchise. To turn out to be part of that’s superb.

Omar Khan was impressed with Washington’s versatility throughout the pre-draft course of, suggesting that the UGA product is “6-foot-7 and may transfer, you don’t see that always.” He’s going to assist Pittsburgh in so many sides if he can obtain the required enjoying time, and may kind a stable 1-2 punch with Freiermuth.

What does that imply for Gentry? Nicely, that’s as much as Khan and Co.