Two Steelers defenders crack '2024 NFL All-Breakout Team'

The consensus around the NFL is that the Steelers have had back-to-back strong drafts. While they must wait to see if their rookies will live up to expectations, their 2023 draft class is looking to build off a promising rookie year.

Pittsburgh isn't the only one who thinks a couple of its second-year players will take their games to another level this season, either. NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks names two Steelers defenders on his "2024 NFL All-Breakout Team."

The first is defensive tackle Keeanu Benton.

"The Steelers are known for identifying and developing worker bees on the defensive front. Benton appears to be the next young DT poised to give opponents fits," Brooks writes . "Though it is easier to win when playing alongside T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward and Alex Highsmith, Benton's disruptive talents could help the Steelers get back to playing championship-caliber football."

Benton was one of Pittsburgh's two first-rounds picks from a year ago and registered 36 tackles, one sack and two forced fumbles while growing his role every week.

After revealing he's lost around 10 pounds this offseason, he's confident his ceiling is sky high.

"I can't see it, man. It's up there somewhere," Benton said . "I ain't really looking for that. I'm just keeping my head down and working."

Benton's role should only grow this season even with a healthy Heyward returning to the starting lineup.

The second defender to crack Brooks' list is cornerback Joey Porter Jr.

"The second-year pro is a dark-horse contender for Pro Bowl honors in 2024 after thriving as the CB1 in Pittsburgh down the stretch last season," Brooks writes. "Porter's toughness, tenacity and tools make him a difficult matchup for pass catchers who lack the speed and physicality to escape his clutches at the line."

The No. 32 overall pick in 2023 didn't establish himself as a starter until midseason, but once he did, he was shadowing opposing teams' No. 1 wide receivers on a weekly basis and had success doing so.

Porter Jr. is planning to pick right up where he left off.

"Just keep getting better. Keep stacking up what I did from last year," Porter Jr. said . "I always want to follow the top guys and dominate. So that's what I'm looking forward to doing this year."

If he does just that, the Steelers may finally have the shutdown corner they've been searching.