Why Steelers should start three rookies in Week 2

The Steelers have some important decisions to make following their 30-7 loss to the 49ers in Week 1 where they saw several injuries and players underperform. Here are three rookies Pittsburgh should start vs. the Browns in Week 2.

Broderick Jones, left tackle

Jones, the Steelers' first-round pick from the 2023 NFL Draft, lost the left tackle job to Dan Moore Jr., who allowed seven sacks in 2022. Many believed Moore Jr. earned it after a strong training camp and preseason, but that didn't continue in Week 1.

Moore Jr. was Pro Football Focus' lowest-graded offensive tackle after allowing a career-worst nine pressures, six hurries, two quarterback hits and one sack. There was an argument that Jones should have already been the starter after Pittsburgh traded up to draft him. Moore Jr.'s Week 1 performance only further supports that idea.

Joey Porter Jr., cornerback

There has been much anticipation to see Porter Jr., the No. 32 pick and son of former Steelers LB Joey Porter, especially after securing his first interception in his first preseason game. However, the rookie corner only played seven snaps in Week 1.

That must change this week and head coach Mike Tomlin hinted that it will as he had planned more reps for Porter Jr. in the season opener. His case is aided by fellow CB Levi Wallace, who struggled to guard the 49ers' pass attack, and it won't get much easier against Browns wide receivers Amari Cooper, Elijah Moore and Donovan Peoples-Jones.

Keeanu Benton, defensive tackle

This one is a little more obvious, given the groin injury suffered by DT Cameron Heyward, who is expected to miss up to eight weeks. But Benton, the No. 49 pick, isn't the only one on Pittsburgh's defensive line hoping to make the start. 

Second- and third-year players DeMarvin Leal and Isaiahh Loudermilk will help fill Heyward's absence as well. However, it should be Benton getting the start in Week 2. He was PFF's second-highest graded rookie in Week 1 after making an early impact. 

Jones, Porter Jr. and Benton may be a given as the Steelers' first three picks in this year's draft. But it's time to see what these rookies are made of.