The Pittsburgh Steelers added seven players from the 2024 NFL Draft with rave reviews from multiple NFL media outlets. The newcomers include Washington offensive tackle Troy Fautanu, West Virginia center Zach Frazier, Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson, NC State linebacker Payton Wilson, South Dakota State guard Mason McCormick, Iowa defensive lineman Logan Lee, Texas defensive back Ryan Watts III.
Heading into the draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers had multiple positions that needed depth and quality starters. The Steelers traded away Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers after many rumors of the WR being unhappy in Pittsburgh, leaving the Steelers’ WR room with only one proven starter, George Pickens. The Steelers also released starting center Mason Cole and future Hall of Fame cornerback Patrick Peterson, after both veterans had underwhelming 2023 campaigns.
Pittsburgh Steelers Biggest Needs Post NFL Draft
Examining the Picks: Outlook for the 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Class
Ideally, Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier are Day 1 starters, making the Steelers have one of the most exciting young offensive lines in the AFC. Roman Wilson should be able to contribute right away as the Steelers’ WR2 or WR3. He also has stated multiple times how much he loves to block, which will get him playing time in Arthur Smith’s offense. Many regarded Payton Wilson as the best middle linebacker in the draft, and if he can stay healthy, he will make an immediate impact. The Steelers drafted Mason McCormick as a depth piece for their offensive line. This pick made sense as starting guard James Daniels heading into a contract year and Isaac Seumalo turning 30. Logan Lee and Ryan Watts III should be able to make the team as rotational defensive depth pieces and special teams contributors in year one.
Changing Focus
Yes, wide receiver is still a huge need even after drafting Wilson in the third round. As mentioned earlier, Pickens stands out as the Steelers’ only proven starter, eclipsing 1,000 yards last year. After Pickens, the WR depth chart includes Van Jefferson who had 20 catches for 209 yards for the Rams and Falcons. Quez Watkins who had 21 catches for 142 yards for the Eagles, and speedster Calvin Austin who in his first full season had 17 catches for 180 yards. Even if Wilson can step into a starting role right away, Austin must step up in a big way for the Steelers, or one of the veterans they signed needs to have a career resurgence. The Steelers will most likely pursue a trade for a WR like Cortland Sutton to reunite with Russell Wilson, or even swing for the fences for Brandon Aiyuk from the 49ers, as the team and Aiyuk have still not been able to agree to a contract extension. Aiyuk has also flirted with the idea of playing with the Steelers with very subtle social media posts.
Steelers Cornerback Starting and Depth Concerns
The Steelers addressed their cornerback needs by trading for Donte Jackson and drafting Watts, but relying on a sixth-round pick and Jackson, who had a below-average 2023 season, poses a dangerous thought process. The Steelers also have 2nd-year cornerback Corey Trice coming back from injury who turned heads in offseason workouts before suffering a season-ending injury. They could also bring back a familiar face to shore up their secondary. According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, Mike Tomlin and General Manager Omar Khan met with Cameron Sutton.
Mike Tomlin and GM Omar Khan met with former Steelers CB Cam Sutton last week in Pittsburgh, per sources.
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) April 27, 2024
Sutton had a down year with the Detroit Lions and in the offseason was released after he was involved in a felony assault charge where he did not turn himself in for three weeks. The charge can be changed to a misdemeanor if Sutton completes counseling and a mental health evaluation. If Sutton does play for an NFL team next year though, the league office will undergo an investigation that could end up suspending Sutton.
Steelers Safety Concerns, Who to Pair with Minkah Fitzpatrick
The Steelers are also rumored to have an interest in resigning Patrick Peterson. Peterson is not the player he used to be and is a liability in man coverage. Peterson does provide position flexibility being able to play corner and safety, but how well can the veteran play entering his 13th NFL Season? The Steelers could also explore the free agent and trade market for safety to pair next to All-Pro Minkah Fitzpatrick, especially if they view Deshon Elliot more as a depth piece rather than an every-down safety. There are multiple interesting names on the free agent market this year at safety including, Jamal Adams, Justin Simmons, and Micah Hyde.
Next Steps: Navigating Post-Draft Decisions
Even after a stellar 2024 draft, the Steelers have multiple holes to fill before training camp starts in August. This team is on the cusp of being a contender with solid quarterback play if they can add depth before training camp. It will be interesting to see how active Omar Khan is in the next couple of weeks. Khan has proven he isn’t afraid to utilize draft capital to enhance the Steelers’ roster or invest in free agency.
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