The 2024 Steelers Mock Draft

Hello on Draft Day fellow readers! AskQuestionsLater here, bringing you my 2024 Steelers Mock Draft before the main event starts! I know we haven't got a lot of time so let us begin! Before we do though and, as always, a reminder;


These written statements by the author do not reflect nor are shared opinions of members of TheSteelersFans Message Board, Staff Members and/or Site Administrator.



Prologue To the Method:


Now normally, this is where I would often put the usual guide as to whom the Steelers First Round pick is; followed by the Pro Day Visits along with the Pre Draft writeups. However, while I do believe that the latter will hold true in 2024, I have a sneaking suspicion that the First Pick for the Black 'n' Gold will not have our usual guidelines. For those who are new to how the Steelers operate or have not been paying as much attention, there have been a number of hints that the Steelers FO often drops before the Day of the Draft on whom they will select. The usual clues are as follows;

• Steelers need to meet up with First Round Hopeful at the Scouting Combine.
• During the Pro Day Trail, both Head Coach and GM must be in attendance for the First Round Hopeful to be in consideration.
• Draft Hopefuls must be Pre Draft Visits for consideration.

For further context, let us look at the Previous First Round Picks that have met this criteria.

1. Kenny Pickett (His Pre Draft Visit does not count against the Rule of 30 for NFL Pre Draft visits as he qualifies as local.
   
2. Najee Harris
   
3. Devin Bush

The formula above was about as ironclad as one in the NFL to rely upon. Few other teams hid their intentions quite like the Steelers did. For some... like T.J. Watt, it works out! For others, like Devin Bush Jr.... not so much. Key takeaway from all of this is that the Steelers often will not only lock on to a Pick but stay locked into that pick. This isn't just First Rounders though; Pre Draft Visitors were also often drafted this way as well, Keeanu Benton, Calvin Austin III, Pat Freiermuth and even Diontae Johnson... to name a few. However, like the seasons, things often change. After the conclusion of the 2022 NFL Draft, after 22 Seasons as the Steelers GM (though technically being labeled as one in 2010) Kevin Colbert stepped down and his successor in Omar Kahn took the reigns. While many celebrated and praised his year one work as an NFL GM in the draft, one year does not make a great GM; a great number of years overall being the deciding factor. Omar did follow Kevin's methods in his inaugural season... but 2024 could be different.



The New Age. Omar Kahn; The Kahn Artist:



Ever since the start of the 2024 NFL Offseason, the Steelers have had major holes to fill prior to today. For some positions, such as ILB, Safety and IDL Depth, these positions have largely been completed; keyword is largely here. For others though, such as OT, OC or even WR, filling out these positions have been much more difficult; doubly so in the Offensive Centers case (more on this position in a bit). Dan Moore is likely on his way out, Diontae Johnson being traded and the Steelers having no Center even though the interest in Mitch Morse was very strong means that Pittsburgh has a bit of a juggling act on their hands. Kahn knew this heading into the 2024 NFL Free Agency Period in addition to leaving Free Agency with much of the same problems. However, thanks to a recent development in Alex Highsmith restructuring his contract, things are about to get interesting in terms of what the Steelers intend to do; namely with the WR Position. Getting back to both OT and OC though, Kahn still has an uphill battle to climb; a battle that may force him to risk it all. What do I mean by that; going against tradition and lobbying for a player that may hold the secret towards solving a good contingent of Pittsburgh's Offensive woes.


That leads us into the 2024 NFL Draft; a draft that Omar Kahn will have to go against the grain a bit in order to assist Pittsburgh to get back to Super Bowl contending status. To begin the draft, a good Offense is only as good as the big men in front. To that end, Kahn wants the best.. and to get the best.. he is going to have to initiate a trade up. Luckily... there is a partner to be had. Trade details are as follows;


Pittsburgh trades away Pick 20, Pick 84 and Pick 119 to the Denver Broncos in exchange for Pick 12 and Pick 121. With the 12th Overall Selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select...


Graham Barton; Offensive Lineman from the University of Duke:


Such a high price to pay?! Yes. An absolute need?! Without a doubt. Most importantly, the best among his peers?! Most definitely. Allow me to explain. The overall depth of the IOL Class is either enhanced or diminished depending on how one is going to view the likes of Tailese Fuaga and Troy Fautanu; both of whom are elite Offensive Tackle prospects and not the IOL so many want them to be. Be that as it may, this does greatly increase Graham Barton's draft stock; so much so that picking him inside the Top 20 is not entirely out of the question. Teams that could challenge Pittsburgh's opportunity to acquire Graham is the likes of Seattle, Cincinnati and even the Los Angeles Rams. Each team does need IOL help; doubly so in the likes of Seattle's case. Such a player in Graham would instantly boost their Offensive output. Given how Pittsburgh traded up for Broderick Jones a season ago, Omar Kahn is going to have to go "all in" here and swing for the fences for Graham.


As for the prospect Graham Barton himself, projecting him as a Center is very, very tricky. On one hand, he has all the size, athleticism, football IQ, instincts, discipline, technique and fundamentals one could ever want from the position. Only problem is.... he only started five games as one... in his Freshman Season.... four years ago. This may reek of Kendrick Green vibes but allow me to quickly put those fears to rest. To begin, Kendrick Green was initially an IDL at Illinois before switching to becoming an IOL. Graham Barton has been an IOL... all his life really. For two, Graham is bigger than Green; 315lbs on a 6'5 frame versus 305lbs on a 6'2 one. While this should mean that Green has the leverage advantage naturally... this just has not been the case. Most of all, for three, the Graham Barton of today is much, much different that the Graham Barton of 2020.. in every way. His five starts as a Center are still concerning but the foundation and principles for not just a great Offensive Lineman are there but the mentality and effort is as well. This isn't to say that Kendrick Green didn't love the game (he did) but he simply just wasn't good enough as a whole. Kevin Colbert may have gotten Green wrong but Kahn can right that wrong as Barton possess All Pro Potential with a tremendous skill set to match. Centers normally are not drafted this high; much less traded up for but Graham Barton is simply too good a prospect not to roll the dice on.




Now that the team has the future secured at the pivot, it is time to focus on the Defensive Side of things. Given how there is still no major Slot CB on the team, why not attack this area of weakness here. The Donte Jackson trade does seem like a place to start but Jackson was traded with the intention of playing as Joey Porter Jr's running mate and not man the inside slot. Jackson adds speed to a backend that sorely needs it but adding some more speed wouldn't hurt so...


With the 51st Overall Pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select...


Max Melton; Defensive Back from Rutgers University:



Speed?! A 4.39 doesn't sound too shabby. Size?! 5'11 will handle in the slot duty just fine. Experience?! A four year starter with being both on the inside or on an island. However, Max is just more than a mere Slot CB. He can also provide Donte Jackson insurance should Jackson get hurt again for he does possess the coverage chops to play in Teryl's Man Coverage Scheme. His biggest strength will be no doubt in run support; something the Steelers have desperately needed since the release of Mike Hilton. If anything, Max Melton is a supercharged variant of Mike Hilton; more size and athleticism for a cheaper rate.

With the Max Melton pick, this actually solves the Steelers backfield in a big way.. for two reasons. One, now the team can deploy more DBs on the field to combat the ever increasing threat of three WR sets or even the dreaded four WR sets the league is slowly increasing investment in. Two and, most of all, the Steelers can add more speed by having a boundary player support in the run without losing outside containment; vital if the team is playing explosive rushing attack teams like Baltimore, Cleveland or the Chargers.



Offensive Tackle is still a major need here.. I know. Team still needs one for Dan Moore simply isn't getting it done and Broderick Jones needs to be moved back to his natural spot at Left Tackle. That said however, the team still is in dire need of a WR. As the team approaches their 98th Overall Pick, Omar Kahn initiates another trade; one with the same team in fact.


Pittsburgh trades away Pick 98 to the Denver Broncos in exchange for Cortland Sutton


A steep price to pay again... and, one I honestly wouldn't be too found of personally. That said, the team is in dire need of another WR on the Offense for George Pickens and Van Jefferson.. to a much lesser extent. Cortland Sutton not only upgrades the WR Room in a big way (metaphorically and literally), he can also serve as a guide and mentor to the likes of Pickens and Calvin Austin the Third. Given how team President Art Rooney II has had enough, hoping for a WR to start out of the gate isn't the most ideal situation. Furthermore, the team needs to fast track Russell Wilson to the best possible form of success while also figuring out what they have in Fields. Nabbing Sutton will allow the likes of both Tomlin and Arthur Smith to kill two birds with one stone here.



However and, again, the Steelers are still in need of an Offensive Tackle. While the 2024 NFL OT Class is stellar, that level of talent is quickly drying up. Pittsburgh needs to make its move with the 121st Pick for having Broderick Jones on the right side will just be another repeat of Kevin Dotson all over again. To that end, nabbing someone with experience is key.



With the 121st Overall Pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select....


Matt Goncalves; Offensive Tackle from the University of Pittsburgh:


I do understand that the most recent Pitt Panther pick wasn't what most wanted... I get that. However and remember, study the players... not their positions or schools. For Matt Goncalves... he does bring that experience to the table. That said.. he is a bit more raw than I personally would like. To start out, he isn't a natural knee bender when going through his footwork in pass protection sets; something that is very important for any Offensvie Tackle. For two, he ducks his head too much when initiating contact; an average NFL EDGE Players dream. Most importantly, for three, despite his experience... he isn't as consistent as one would think in terms of his aggression as a run blocker. His run blocking his one of his best attributes.. but he lacks the aggression needed to fully maximize that ability. What Goncalves does provide is a player who is a Swing Tackle but who can become the teams starting Right Tackle a bit quicker than others would believe. He does need to iron out his warts for sure but Goncalves' leverage, strength in both pass protection and run blocking along with his consistent footwork will allow him to become a solid starter in the long term.




Cameron Heyward and Keeanu Benton still need depth behind them. Dean Lowry is an excellent start but he cannot be the only ones who can be counted on. DeMarvin Leal is.... well.... not great and Isaiah Loudermilk is only serviceable. The team still has two 6th Round picks to use so why not nab a player who not only has potential to become more but can play multiple spots as well?!


With the 178th Pick of the NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select....


Logan Lee; Defensive Lineman from the University of Iowa:



A player from a place that the Steelers don't often draft from?! Sounds odd right. Well.. it is; doubly so given the amount of importance the Steelers place on the measurables needed to play within their system. However, finding IDL who are 6'5+ with 33 inch arms or greater isn't getting any easier. While the lack of length will definitely frustrate some, Logan Lee still does bring a lot to the table. For one, he is much quicker than he is given credit for. Another appealing aspect about Mr. Lee is his motor; something that not even higher rated IDL like T'Vondre Sweat or even EDGE players like Jared Verse has. Every snap must be his last... at least that is how he showcased himself at Iowa. Even so, there is s reason why he is going to be taken so low. Undersized for the Steelers position (though at 281 he wouldn't need to add too much) is just one of many problems; his fundamentals in disengaging blocks in addition to handling double teams needing a serious overhaul. However, he is a developmental piece and is definitely one worth banking on; doubly so given the fact that Leal could likely be on his way out.





As for our final pick?!... This is going to sound a bit silly but why not up the ante on having a back up plan just in case anything happens to the likes of Max Melton. The NFL is unforgiving as it is unpredictable... so nabbing a failsafe is key. However, merely being a failsafe on its own isn't enough. Having the ability to play Special Teams is also a requirement for it not only serves as a method to further understand the proper ways of competition and effort in the NFL but also will be used as a way to make ones claim to the final 53.




With the 195th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select.....


Sione Vaki; Defensive Back from the University of Utah:


Being only 22, Sione Vaki's best football, to me, is ahead of him. Of course, mere age alone would not beget such a compliment from me. What impresses me the most about Vaki is his attacking nature... and I mean everything he does is nothing but all out attack. For example, in run support, he isn't just trying to tackle you.. he is coming with hell raising intentions on every play. For coverage, while grabby and a bit too aggressive, Vaki will make you fight for every blade of grass you attempt to earn on your route tree. His best asset though isn't just in his demeanor but how many hats he can wear upon doing so. Given Utah's Defensive Scheme, both Cole Bishop and Sione Vaki were tasked with a lot of Defensive Back based responsibilities. Two Deep Safety, Strong Safety and what caught my eye, Slot CB. Of course though, those apparent route recognition woes will need a serious overhaul and that aggressive behavior that was previously mentioned can get him in more trouble than he should be in; namely in his tackling form when he aims too high a bit too often. Even so, Vaki is a stellar developmental safety who can easily become the Steelers Special Teams ace in due time.




Wrap up:


A lot... to digest here. Again, whenever I first started doing these mocks back in January, I did have somewhat of an idea as to where the Steelers would go. Since the acquisitions of the likes of Russell Wilson, Patrick Queen, etc., much of my higher end priorities haven't changed but their orders have. Nabbing a blue chip Center for the next 10 Seasons is very much an important task when dealing with a Division that prioritizes smash mouth football tendencies. Pittsburgh hasn't had that since the retirement of Maurkice Pouncey. Moreover, Pittsburgh hasn't been that physical of a team for some time now. Historically being the bullies on the Offense... Pittsburgh has recently become the bullied instead; winning games based of the likes of T.J. Watt with one "go for broke" play just about every game instead. Speaking of T.J. Watt, he, Minkah and Cameron Heyward are not getting any younger and the Steelers chances of potentially competing for a title shrinks with every single season. This draft is a reflection of both the determination of Omar Kahn putting together a Championship Contending Roster as quickly as possible but also highlighting the desperation of the entire Steelers Organization for the failed draft classes of 2018 to 2021. Placing that much faith and hope on a single draft isn't the most ideal situation nor it is the recommended course of action. However, given the circumstances... the Steelers are left with little choice; all the more reason Graham Barton alone sums up this draft in one word; grit. Every player selected has grit and then some; Cortland Sutton included.


To add that to a young Offense in dire need of it with the addition of Russell Wilson will allow the Steelers to finally field an Offense that is capable of not just sustaining drives but hopefully scoring points. Will it come to fruition remains the only question as time will tell. However, the Steelers will have done everything they could do to maximize the effectiveness of their new Offense with their new OC in Arthur Smith by providing him with the best tools possible. A single draft cannot fix everything of course....


... but the right players can correct the biggest shortcomings.



That will conclude my Steelers Mock Draft!!! Cutting it close I know but I had a lot to do getting back home and even more back end work came as a result. Had to blitzkreig my way through the secondary stuff then turn my attention to this. Thankfully, everything ended up working out in the end; even more happy I could bring this to you all. As always, thank you all for reading and I hope you enjoyed!



Until next time, this is AskQuestionsLater saying so long, stay safe and have an awesome day!!!

 

Well thought out but you missed are first pick just like most of us.

 

Fortunately this MB allows the OP to edit as often as needed. Hopefully AQL does that within his post.

 

Too bad it shows the time we edit or I'd win the Predict The Score every year

 

Better luck than any Falcons fans had with their mocks lol

 

Mind you all I was sadly late!

Wish I done this earlier...


Always next time for a much better result.