The Pittsburgh Steelers have been far from perfect regarding their first-round selections over the years. However, since Omar Khan took over as the team's general manager in 2022, he's put together two solid draft classes to build on.
It's easy to miss if you only look at stats, because most of the biggest contributors of his 14 picks play in the trenches. In fact, only one touchdown has been scored by a player that Omar Khan drafted - Darnell Washington's lone touchdown reception during the 2024 season.
Of those 14, six have gone on to start more than half of at least one season of play in Pittsburgh, some via injury, others by way of talent. Let's take a look at those six players who have proven their worth quickly in their young careers.
Every Omar Khan draft pick who became a Key Starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers
2023 Draft Class
The 2023 NFL Draft was the first with Khan officially at the head of the draft table (well, alongside head coach Mike Tomlin, anyway). It was well established that Khan, alongside assistant GM Andy Weidl, would build through the trenches, and he did just that. Four of his seven selections in his first draft play on the offensive and defensive lines, though an asterisk can go next to the hulking, blocking tight end, Darnell Washington.
Broderick Jones was the first-round pick, and while things haven't always gone smoothly for #77, his natural abilities shine through his growing pains. The Georgia product has started 27 games through two seasons, all of which have come at right tackle. He's expected to start at left tackle in 2025, so the growing pains could resume even if he is back at a more familiar position.
Joey Porter Jr. wasn't an immediate starter either, though his development has been a touch quicker. Porter has also started in 27 games, and like Jones, one of his biggest issues has been penalties. Porter has had 20 penalties enforced against him compared to nine for Jones. Still, the franchise legacy player is a net positive addition to the defensive backfield.
Back up front, the Steelers invested another second-round pick in the 2023 Draft on Wisconsin defensive tackle Keeanu Benton. Benton quickly became a fan favorite as a frequent playmaker on the Steelers' defensive front. A bit surprisingly, Benton has started in 23 games, but he's been a consistent force when available all the same.
Read More: Where Are They Now? Steelers First Round Picks That Didn’t Pan Out
Finally, there's the previously mentioned Darnell Washington. A 6-foot-8, near-300-pound tight end who has more pass-catching ability than he's given credit for. Since he's built like a lean offensive tackle, he's asked to block more often than not, but over 16 starts in 34 games played, he's shown more and more ability as a receiver. He dwarfed his rookie numbers with a humble sophomore season with 19 receptions for 200 yards and a score in 2024.
2024 Draft Class
Naturally, there's a lot of meat left on the bone for the 2024 draft class. Linebacker Payton Wilson was a heavy contributor at linebacker, though he just wasn't a primary starter despite suiting up and playing in all 17 games. Meanwhile, three picks, first-rounder Troy Fautanu, third-rounder Roman Wilson, and seventh-rounder Ryan Watts, all missed the season due to injury.
The most notable contributor in the class was Zach Frazier. He may not have been intended to be the full-time starting center in his rookie season, but when injuries forced him into the starting lineup, it was quickly clear that he belongs in the starting lineup for years to come. There's certainly still some growing pains, but after 15 starts, the Steelers and their fans are confident the team has a reliable center for the foreseeable future.
Right next to Frazier was Mason McCormick. McCormick was expected to grow behind veteran guards Isaac Seumalo and James Daniels, but injuries also forced the fourth-round pick into the starting lineup. The FCS product started 14 games himself, and while he wasn't perfect, he was reliable. McCormick may not be the starter at right guard on day one of training camp in 2025, but if he's called upon, the Steelers know he'll continue to grow on the job.
It's worth noting that McCormick is the only non-Power 5/4 selection Omar Khan has made. It's no secret that the Steelers like prospects with experience at the highest level of college football. It's also no secret that, under the best of circumstances, the Steelers would rather have their rookies wait in the wings until they're ready. For McCormick to get that call and become an immediate contributor is not an opportunity afforded to many.
