5 Steelers who will drastically improve their performance in 2024

The Steelers are gearing up for a season filled with potential and high expectations. The upcoming season holds significant promise for the Steelers as they aim to demonstrate their potential. The team is counting on several second-year players to make notable strides, alongside another player who needs to elevate their performance.

Fans should keep an eye on emerging talent that could shape the team's future success. Here are five Steelers poised for substantial improvement in 2024, expected to be valuable assets to the team's success this year and in the foreseeable future.

1. Keeanu Benton

After an impressive rookie season showcasing glimpses of his potential, he is now stepping into a full-time starter role. It's time for those flashes of brilliance to become a consistent force on the defensive line.

With Cameron Heyward aging and facing tough contract negotiations, his future with the Steelers remains uncertain. Additionally, Larry Ogunjobi's performance declined last year, making his reliability as a starter questionable. Benton will have a lot on his shoulders this season, and hopefully, we'll witness him emerge as the next great Steelers defensive lineman for the next decade.

2. Joey Porter Jr.

Joey Porter Jr. emerged as a full-time starter just weeks into his rookie season and has been solid ever since. With a full year of tape and an improved cornerback opposite him, teams will likely target him more frequently.

For Porter Jr. to become a true shutdown corner, he must enhance various facets of his game, particularly his tackling. The Steelers need him to continue his development, given the cornerback room's current weaknesses.

Surrounded by former Steelers like Ike Taylor and with guidance from his father, Porter Jr. has the potential to address these shortcomings and prove himself as a complete cornerback in every aspect of the game.

3. Broderick Jones

The Steelers' first-round pick last year became the starter midway through the season, experiencing an up-and-down rookie year. One area where Jones needs improvement is in his pass protection.

With the Steelers moving him back to his natural position at left tackle, this shift should allow him to be more comfortable and perform better, as he did during his time at Georgia. Given his physical gifts and the potential for technical refinement, Jones has the talent to be the Steelers' long-term solution at the blindside tackle.

With a year of NFL experience and the opportunity to play in his preferred position, we can expect more consistency from him.

4. Nick Herbig

Nick Herbig showed flashes of his potential last season, demonstrating an endless motor and an ability to create havoc in limited snaps. This season, he'll be counted on as the third outside linebacker, stepping in when Watt and Highsmith need rest and being the go-to guy in case of injury.

With an increased workload, we'll get a clearer picture of what this hidden gem can do. Herbig has all the makings of a solid starter, and if he sees more playing time, he'll become another pass rusher for offenses to fear in a defense that already boasts one of the league's best pass-rushing duos.

5. Calvin Austin

Matt Canada's offense was a hodgepodge of nothingness, leaving us uncertain about Calvin Austin's true potential. Now entering his third year, this season is crucial for Austin to prove himself and earn a contract extension. Despite his incredible speed, Canada never found ways to maximize Austin's talents.

With Arthur Smith's offense emphasizing a strong running game and deep shots downfield, Austin and the newly acquired speedy receivers have a chance to shine. However, Austin first needs a stellar training camp to secure his spot on the roster. If he succeeds, he must seize every opportunity to secure his future with the Steelers.