The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the 2024 NFL Draft with four picks in the top 100. With several key needs to address, they will need to utilize each pick well. They are overwhelmingly likely to select an offensive lineman or defensive back with their 20th overall pick. Looking ahead to the second day of the draft, the Steelers have picks 51, 84, and 98. Below are some prospects who could be Steelers draft targets on Day 2.
2024 NFL Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers Day 2 Targets
C Zach Frazier, West Virginia
The Steelers are in desperate need of a starting-caliber center. Duke’s Graham Barton has become a popular name in Pittsburgh in the first round of mock drafts. If they don’t draft Barton, they could address center in Round 2. Frazier is one of the top three center prospects in the draft and Pittsburgh hosted him for a pre-draft visit. He would be ready to come in and start in the middle of their offensive line right away. If he’s available at 51, he is a no-brainer. Pittsburgh may even feel the need to trade up in the second round to make sure they can get Frazier. However they go about it, the Steelers drafting Zach Frazier in the second round would be a huge win for the team.
CB Max Melton, Rutgers
If Pittsburgh doesn’t select a cornerback with their first pick, there’s a very good chance they do in the second round. Max Melton is a second-round cornerback who they have showed interest in throughout the pre-draft process. He is a superb athlete who would fit well into the Steelers defense. While Melton didn’t play in the slot a ton at Rutgers, he is capable of playing there. Pittsburgh needs a slot corner, so Melton could get snaps there as a rookie before transitioning to the outside opposite Joey Porter Jr. in the future.
WR Ricky Pearsall, Florida
In recent history, the Steelers have been successful in finding productive wide receivers in the second or third round. Ricky Pearsall has the potential to be another Steelers Day 2 gem. He is a talented slot receiver who gets open effortlessly and has very dependable hands. Pittsburgh needs to add multiple wide receivers, but they especially need a slot receiver. They’ve met with Pearsall, so they have shown their interest. While there are plenty of second or third-round wide receivers who could be considered Steelers draft targets, Pearsall is right at the top of the list.
DL Braden Fiske, Florida State
It hasn’t been talked about as much as some other positions, but the defensive line is one of the Steelers’ top draft needs. Their pre-draft visits reflect that, as they have met with a half dozen top defensive line prospects over the past few months. Florida State’s Braden Fiske is a prospect they met with both at the combine and for a 30-visit. What Fiske lacks in size, he more than makes up for with great athleticism and a high motor. Pittsburgh needs to get younger in their defensive line room. Fiske could be a productive depth piece as a rookie before eventually forming a strong starting duo with 2023 standout rookie Keeanu Benton.
OT Blake Fisher, Notre Dame
While most of these Steelers draft targets are expected to be picked in the second round, Blake Fisher is a player they could get with one of their third-round picks if they don’t draft a tackle 2oth overall. His athleticism would help him fit right into Pittsburgh’s offense, as he is very effective as a puller. He showcases good footwork which allows him to stay locked onto quicker edge rushers. Fisher probably isn’t a day-one starter. But if he could sit for the first half of the season, the Steelers could get him ready to take over as the starting right tackle. This would finally allow them to move 2023 first-round pick Broderick Jones to his natural left tackle position permanently.
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