With less than a week remaining until the 2024 NFL Draft, there are new mock drafts every day. Chad Reuter of NFL.com released an updated seven-round mock draft. In the mock, the Pittsburgh Steelers landed a massive score, one that almost feels unrealistic. If Reuter’s predictions came to fruition, Pittsburgh would walk away from the draft feeling like they hit a home run. This Steelers mock draft will have fans buzzing.
Pittsburgh Steelers Score Huge in Latest NFL Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick 20 – Troy Fautanu
Starting with their first pick, the Steelers land promising offensive lineman Troy Fautanu at 20th overall in the mock draft. Fautanu’s strong performance at the combine shot him up draft boards. He is absurdly athletic to the point where some teams may view him as a left guard in the NFL. With Pittsburgh set at guard, Fautanu would be their starting left tackle as a rookie. It is worth pointing out that Penn State’s Olumuyiwa Fashanu was still available at this point in Reuter’s mock. If he slides that far, Pittsburgh would likely select him over Fautanu. Either way, Fautanu would be a great pick at 20, as he is typically off the board by then in most mocks and would be an instant starter in Pittsburgh.
Round 2, Pick 51 – Jackson Powers-Johnson
This would be such a good pick for the Steelers that it almost feels too good to be true. At the beginning of mock draft season, Powers-Johnson was a common selection for Pittsburgh at 20. He has fallen down some draft boards which may put him in play at 51, but it’s still very likely he’ll be off the board by then. If he is available, the Steelers wouldn’t be able to submit their ticket fast enough. Powers-Johnson is starter-ready and would fill a massive need on Pittsburgh’s offensive line. This pick would be a no-brainer.
Round 3, Picks 84 and 98 – Keon Coleman and Jeremiah Trotter
Perhaps more exciting than landing Powers-Johnson at 51, the Steelers select wide receiver Keon Coleman 84th overall in Reuter’s mock draft. Coleman often gets selected early in the second round of mock drafts. One concern for the Steelers could be that his game is similar to George Pickens, so they might want a receiver of a different mold. But landing a receiver with Coleman’s size and ball skills at 84 would be too good to pass up.
Jeremiah Trotter of Clemson was a very productive linebacker at the collegiate level. Even after signing Patrick Queen in the offseason, the Steelers are still likely to draft a linebacker at some point. While their linebacker room is probably set for 2024, they could afford to get a little younger at the position. Trotter is a smart player, good against the run, and an effective blitzer. He fits the mold of a Steelers linebacker well, so it’s no surprise to see them select him in this mock draft.
Round 4, Pick 119 – Renardo Green
Here’s another player who feels unlikely to be available at this point in the draft. Renardo Green was a very successful cornerback during his time at Florida State. Look no further than his performance covering LSU’s Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr., two of the top wide receiver prospects in this draft class. Green would fit perfectly into Pittsburgh’s defense as he is a true press-man coverage corner. The Steelers are in desperate need of a slot cornerback. Green could start in the slot as a rookie, before moving to the boundary long-term. Of all these picks that are great value selections, this might be the best of them all.
Round 6, Picks 178 and 195 – Jaylin Simpson and Marcus Harris
This Steelers mock draft rounds out with them addressing two remaining needs with a pair of Auburn Tigers teammates. Simpson is an athletic safety with good ball-hawking abilities, evidenced by his four interceptions in 2023. He would be a good depth addition behind Minkah Fitzpatrick and a potential special teams contributor, too. Harris is a slightly undersized defensive lineman who was productive both against the run and as a pass rusher in college. Pittsburgh doesn’t need a starting defensive lineman, but they do need to get younger at the position. Harris would likely be a rotational player as a rookie, with the potential to develop into a future starter alongside Keeanu Benton.
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