The 2025 season will be pivotal for many Pittsburgh Steelers players. For these two particular picks from the 2023 draft, this year will serve as a crucial evaluation period. It will determine whether they are seen as long-term solutions for the franchise or just another pair of players who do not earn a second contract in Pittsburgh.
The first two picks in the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2023 draft class were Broderick Jones and Joey Porter Jr. Both had exciting rookie seasons that showed flashes of promise, but also revealed areas where growth was needed. There was a lot of interest in seeing how another year in the NFL would impact their development. Unfortunately, last season did not bring progress. Instead, both players showed signs of regression.
For the Steelers to get where they want to go in their one season with Aaron Rodgers, they need big leaps from both Jones and Porter Jr.
Pittsburgh Steelers need Broderick Jones and Joey Porter Jr to take the next step
Broderick Jones, a raw but athletic tackle prospect from Georgia, was expected to take a step forward in his second year. That did not happen. The Steelers' 2024 first-round pick, Troy Fautanu, was originally set to start over Jones, but after Fautanu missed the year with an injury, Jones stepped into the starting right tackle role.
He struggled significantly and at times was nearly unplayable. If he does not show major improvement this season, offensive tackle will again become a major need for Pittsburgh in 2026. The move to left tackle could help, but many of the technical flaws he had coming out of college remain. Despite this lack of development, offensive line coach Pat Meyer is still on staff. Jones needs to prove this season that he can be the long-term answer at left tackle for the Steelers.
Joey Porter Jr. came in with a lot of excitement around him, not just because he played at Penn State but also because he is the son of former Steelers linebacker Joey Porter. During his rookie year, he did not start right away but still made some big plays. The hope was that he would take a leap in technique and his understanding of zone coverage.
Instead, his 2024 season was all over the place. He was wildly inconsistent, with multiple games where penalties became a serious issue. In the game against Cincinnati, he had four accepted penalties and was a clear liability in coverage. His physicality against the run also needs improvement, as does his overall willingness to tackle.
For years, the Steelers have been searching for a true shutdown corner, not just another name in a long list of short-term players. This season will be critical for Joey Porter Jr. to show that he can become a complete cornerback who can be relied on to anchor the secondary moving forward.