The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2024 NFL Draft with an eye on rebuilding and refining their roster in critical areas. With a mix of offensive and defensive selections, the Steelers were hoping to make an immediate impact. After the conclusion of their first season, it’s time to evaluate how these rookies fared. Here’s a breakdown of each player’s performance, with grades based on their contributions, development, and role within the team during the 2024 season.
### 1. **Broderick Jones (OT – 1st Round, 14th Overall)**
**Grade: B+**
The Steelers made Broderick Jones their first-round pick, a move that was essential to strengthening their offensive line. Jones, who played at Georgia, was considered one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the 2024 draft. He showed flashes of his potential, particularly as a run blocker. His blend of size, strength, and mobility was a breath of fresh air on a unit that had struggled in recent years.
While he started as a backup early in the season, Jones eventually took over the starting left tackle position midway through the year after a series of inconsistent performances from veteran Dan Moore Jr. Despite the transition to a starting role being slightly bumpy, Jones held his own against some of the league’s top pass rushers. His pass protection still needs fine-tuning, especially with his hand placement and consistency, but the foundation is there.
His run blocking was much more impressive, as he consistently created holes for Najee Harris and Jalen Warren. In a year where offensive line play was pivotal for the Steelers, Jones looks like a key figure in the team’s long-term plans.
### 2. **Joey Porter Jr. (CB – 2nd Round, 32nd Overall)**
**Grade: A-**
Joey Porter Jr. came into the 2024 season with high expectations, and he quickly proved to be one of the Steelers’ most impactful rookies. As the son of former Steelers linebacker Joey Porter, Porter Jr. carried a lot of weight with the fanbase. However, he didn’t seem to let that pressure faze him.
Starting from Day 1, Porter Jr. showed exceptional ball skills and the ability to shadow top receivers. His length and physicality helped him excel in man coverage, and he was a key contributor in the secondary. While he was still refining his technique in zone schemes, his ability to make plays in crucial moments – including several pass breakups and an interception – made him a standout in the Steelers’ defensive backfield.
Porter Jr.’s rookie year was marred only by a few missed tackles and occasional lapses in coverage. However, the flashes of brilliance were more than enough to show that he could be a key cornerstone for the secondary in years to come.
### 3. **Darnell Washington (TE – 3rd Round, 93rd Overall)**
**Grade: B**
Darnell Washington entered the NFL with a lot of intrigue due to his rare combination of size (6’7″, 270 pounds) and athleticism. He was expected to make an immediate impact both as a blocker and pass catcher. Washington’s first season in Pittsburgh was somewhat of a mixed bag.
He was used primarily as a blocking tight end, and that’s where he excelled. Washington provided valuable support to the offensive line and was a crucial asset in the run game, opening lanes for Najee Harris and Jalen Warren. His blocking was not only physical but also technically sound, helping the Steelers establish a more consistent rushing attack.
As a pass catcher, however, Washington’s contributions were more limited. With the emergence of Pat Freiermuth as the primary receiving tight end, Washington found himself primarily in blocking situations. He recorded a modest number of receptions, but there were flashes of his potential as a receiving threat. With more development, Washington could grow into a reliable weapon in the passing game.
### 4. **Nick Herbig (OLB – 4th Round, 132nd Overall)**
**Grade: B**
Nick Herbig was one of the more intriguing picks in the Steelers’ 2024 draft class. A pass-rush specialist out of Wisconsin, Herbig was expected to provide depth and a potential future starter at outside linebacker. His first season in Pittsburgh was solid, but it was clear that he still had room to grow.
Herbig played primarily as a rotational pass rusher behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. While he didn’t record a significant number of sacks, he showed a great motor and an ability to generate pressure on the quarterback. His awareness and quickness in tight spaces were impressive, but his physicality at the point of attack was sometimes lacking against larger offensive linemen.
Herbig also struggled in coverage, a common issue for many rookies at the outside linebacker position. However, with more experience and coaching, Herbig has the potential to develop into a consistent and versatile piece of Pittsburgh’s defense.
### 5. **Isaiah Foskey (DL – 5th Round, 160th Overall)**
**Grade: C+**
Isaiah Foskey, the defensive lineman out of Notre Dame, was drafted in the fifth round with hopes that he could contribute immediately as a rotational player on the defensive line. However, his rookie season did not quite meet expectations.
Foskey struggled to carve out a significant role on the defensive front. While he flashed at times with his burst and ability to clog running lanes, he was often overpowered by stronger and more experienced offensive linemen. His pass-rushing ability, which was highly touted coming out of college, didn’t translate well to the NFL during his first season.
That being said, Foskey’s effort and work ethic were never questioned, and there is still potential for growth. A more defined role and increased strength in the offseason could lead to a more productive second season.
### 6. **Corey Trice Jr. (CB – 7th Round, 241st Overall)**
**Grade: B**
The Steelers took a flier on Corey Trice Jr. late in the draft, and while he didn’t start immediately, his development during the season was encouraging. Trice, a big, physical cornerback out of Purdue, showed an ability to press at the line of scrimmage and be disruptive in coverage.
While he didn’t see a ton of action as a rookie, Trice’s size and physicality made him an intriguing prospect for the future. He could become a more prominent part of the secondary rotation in future years, but for now, his development and special teams contributions provided solid value.
### Conclusion
The 2024 rookie class for the Pittsburgh Steelers looks like it has the potential to make a lasting impact. While some players, like Joey Porter Jr., showed immediate star potential, others, like Broderick Jones and Darnell Washington, displayed their value in more specialized roles. Players like Nick Herbig and Corey Trice Jr. may need more time to develop but have shown flashes of promise.
Overall, the Steelers’ rookie class was solid in their first year, and many of these players figure to play key roles in the team’s future success. As Pittsburgh continues to build a competitive roster around its veteran stars, this young core will help shape the next chapter for the franchise.