With the 2024 NFL Draft now behind us, we can start to identify which teams did well with their selections. The Pittsburgh Steelers draft is widely considered to be one of the best drafts of any team. They selected three likely day-one starters and at least one more player who will have a clear role as a rookie. However, they were not able to address all their needs. Following their strong draft, there are still some questions surrounding the Steelers’ roster that will need to be answered over the coming weeks.
Three Lingering Questions Following Pittsburgh Steelers Stellar Draft
What is the Plan at Slot Cornerback?
Though it is hard to complain about any of the Steelers’ first five draft selections, they failed to address one of their most glaring needs. They entered the draft without a nickel cornerback on the team and they exited the draft with the same issue. With the draft board breaking the way it did, it would be hard to blame Pittsburgh for any of their picks in the first four rounds. But they certainly could have considered a slot-capable cornerback over linebacker or interior offensive line depth in the first half of the draft. They finally selected cornerback Ryan Watts in the sixth round, but he is not likely to play in the slot.
The Steelers looked to the slot corner position in the undrafted free-agent window, signing Beanie Bishop from West Virginia. He led the FBS with an astounding 20-pass breakups last season and added four interceptions. Bishop is a definite slot option for the Steelers; he’s a fiery playmaker who is very good in run support. Elsewhere, look for the Steelers to sign one or two veteran cornerbacks who can play in the slot. Depending on an undrafted rookie to start would be unwise. A reunion with Patrick Peterson and/or Chandon Sullivan is certainly in the cards and probably sooner than later.
What Receiver Will Be Added?
Landing Roman Wilson in the third round of the draft was a big win for the Steelers. He was widely considered a second-round pick and was thought to be in play at 51 for Pittsburgh. Fortunately for them, they were able to grab Wilson with the 84th pick. Wilson will be the Steelers’ main slot receiver right away as a rookie. While he can play on the outside, he is better suited to play predominantly in the slot. This leaves Pittsburgh with a need for another outside receiver opposite George Pickens.
Tyler Boyd was a popularly rumored name to join the Steelers. After the Wilson selection, that seems unlikely, as Boyd is primarily a slot receiver. A Courtland Sutton reunion with Russell Wilson seemed like a possibility during the draft, but Pittsburgh didn’t make the trade with the Denver Broncos. The same can be said of Brandon Aiyuk, who the San Francisco 49ers have not yet traded. While there are not many remaining free agent wide receivers, Odell Beckham Jr. and Michael Gallup are two names to keep an eye on. After restructuring Alex Highsmith’s contract, the Steelers have plenty of cap space to make a move, and adding a receiver is the most likely outcome.
What is Cole Holcomb’s Status?
Cole Holcomb was Pittsburgh’s best linebacker in 2023 before suffering a gruesome season-ending knee injury. There have not been many details shared about his recovery and status for the 2024 season. The Steelers signed Patrick Queen to a big contract in the offseason and they return Elandon Roberts and Holcomb from last year. Despite having decent depth at the position, the Steelers decided to draft standout linebacker Payton Wilson towards the end of the third round.
The selection of Wilson doesn’t automatically mean Holcomb’s health is in jeopardy. Wilson was a projected second-round pick and fell to the end of the third, likely due to medical concerns. Maybe Pittsburgh thought his talent was too good to pass up that late in the draft. Further, Roberts is 30 years old and a free agent after the 2024 season. They might want Wilson to serve as a key depth piece this year before becoming an every-down linebacker in 2025. The selection of Wilson could have nothing to do with Holcomb’s status, but with very little information being made public, it’s impossible to say.
Main Photo: Michael Longo/For USA Today Network-USA TODAY NETWORK
