All the rumors swirling that the Pittsburgh Steelers would trade for a big-name receiver like Brandon Aiyuk, Courtland Sutton, or Tee Higgins were put to bed this weekend after they stayed the course and decided to fill their needs through the NFL Draft. And filling their needs is exactly what they did. Although it’s easy to be biased regarding your team, industry experts have spoken: the Steelers absolutely DEMOLISHED this draft.
In any case, let’s take a look at all the talent the Steelers have added during the 2024 NFL Draft:
DAY 1:
Round 1, Pick 20: OT Troy Fautanu, Washington
Troy Fautanu was expected by many to be selected within the top 10 picks. So, when the Steelers managed to draft him at the 20th spot, I was very excited.
«He’s a Black and Gold type of a Guy.»
–Mike Tomlin said during his post-draft press coverage.
Growing up Fautanu was a Troy Polamalu fan, donning Polamalu’s «43» jersey number in little league football. Always looking for someone to block, Fautanu will be a perfect fit providing that needed coverage they have been lacking. Can’t wait to see him paired up with last year’s first-round pick RT Broderick Jones.
Grade: A+
Day 2:
Round 2, Pick 51: C Zach Frazier, WVU
I saw a few mocks where center Zach Frazier was being drafted by the Steelers in the FIRST ROUND. How he slid to the second is beyond me. Four-time West VA State wrestling champion, this kid can not only stop guys in their tracks but move guys. He’s the perfect addition to Arthur Smith’s run game. Go invest in Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren.
BREAKING NEWS:
Incoming Najee 2,000-yard season. Someone is going to have a chip on their shoulder.
Grade: A+
Round 3, Pick 84: WR Roman Wilson, Michigan
Despite being slightly smaller at 5’11 and 185lbs, he possesses exceptional hands and speed, slotting in immediately as our WR2. A lot of rumors have been swirling that Tomlin and crew will trade for a big-name guy before the season, but even if they don’t I have full confidence that Wilson can have an immediate impact on this offense. Player Profiler’s comp for Wilson? Stefon Diggs. Don’t sleep on Roman.
Grade: A
Round 3, Pick 98: LB Payton Wilson, N.C. State
Despite not having an ACL in one of his knees, the Steelers decided to take a gamble on LB Payton Wilson who brings speed to the LB room. The injury concerns are real, but the Steelers have gambled before on a star player without an ACL and it paid off, stud WR Hines Ward. Wilson missed no games last season and finished his college career with over 400 tackles. I like the pick, but can’t give it more than B+ because of the concerns with the knee, as well as a shoulder injury that required surgery as well. Don’t love that but the college production regardless is promising.
DAY 3:
Rounds 4-6
Pick 119: IOL Mason McCormick, South Dakota State
When the Steelers announced this pick the caption read «Juggernaut.» Additional depth to the o-line who needed it the most, McCormick is a nice piece to the puzzle. The two things both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields struggle with are sacks, so building a strong OL will be imperative for them to succeed.
Round 6, Pick 178: Logan Lee, DL, Iowa
Had to do research on Lee after this pick, Defensive Line coach Karl Dunbar had this to say about the defensive lineman from Iowa during the post-draft press conference:
«Bring a lot of good things to the table. He has size, he has length, he can do some things. He came up here on a top 30 visit, and I think he can fit the Steeler’s mode. Strong-handed and big man and I think he’s very mature.»
After watching some highlights of Lee I see the vision. I’ll take your word for it coach, you haven’t let us down yet.
Grade: B+
Round 6, Pick 195: Ryan Watts, CB, Texas
Expected to move to safety, Watts also can make an impact on special teams. Just more depth who can be versatile for the team’s needs. Inconsistent has been a word to describe him, and that is why he went 195th overall. Even so, Watts isn’t letting his draft capital deter him from the opportunity to prove himself.
«I made it, but I ain’t made it yet. Thank you, God!»
-Watts captioned a video of him working out on Instagram.
Grade: B+
The Pittsburgh Steelers made bold moves during the NFL Draft, opting not to pursue big-name receivers through trades but instead focusing on drafting talent to address their needs. They successfully fortified their offensive line, found the perfect replacement for Dionte Johnson, and added an LB who complements free agent signing Patrick Queen. Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin aren’t playing around, and I cannot wait to see how these incoming rookies will immediately impact the Steelers’ growth and development. Speaking of, make sure you check out my article breaking down all the free agency moves the Steeler’s made before the draft.
Overall, the Steelers’ 2024 draft class deserves a solid A grade.
