Steelers 2024 Mock with Explanations

With us unfortunately out of the playoffs, curious everyone’s view on the 2024 draft. With Tomlin’s recent presser, he gave us a lot of hints into 2024 (QB1 on the roster, new outside OC, etc). From this past season, we absolutely killed the 2023 draft - we have a few potential pro-bowlers in the group (our top 3 picks). Hopefully khan and crew can knock it out of the park again in 2024. Below is my latest mock - curious to everyone’s thoughts. Here’s the quick rationale for each pick (based on where they were available when on the clock):


20 - we need to invest premium capital in the DL, and Newton would be an amazing pick. With his explosiveness, he’s being highly undervalued IMHO.


51 - Dream center to build around, JPJ is everything the Steelers look for and some. Mean, mauling, and athletic - our center for the next decade (and best center in the draft IMHO).


84 - not sure how Wilson is even available, first round talent (and huge and fast!). We need to hedge Dionte here if they don’t extend - legit #2 with #1 potential.


115 - Jacobs is a do it all Linebacker, has all the traits and athleticism needed to be a solid starter in the 3-4.


116 - too good a RB to pass up! Hedge against Najee 5th year, and has higher round “talent” (devalued position, but can be an amazing 3rd).


179 - Solid Safety prospect with potential to grow into role and provide great depth (hoping Peterson moves to safety).


212 - backup QB who played in weaker conference but lit up the league. He’s not your typical small school player, he has arm talent, the smarts, and can a real sleep.


Special Note: I’m assuming we go free agent route for CB (huge need, and I’m praying for Jaylon Johnson, who can be had with some cap casualties and restructures). Our DB’s would be scary good!


20.


Jer'Zhan Newton

DT Illinois

51.


Jackson Powers-Johnson

OC Oregon

84.


Johnny Wilson

WR Florida State

115.


Curtis Jacobs

LB Penn State

116.


Audric Estime

RB Notre Dame

179.


Demani Richardson

S Texas A&M

212.


Austin Reed

QB Western Kentucky

 

Really like this draft with two exceptions. The 3rd round wr and 4th round rb. I would love to see a big slot wr, but we have more pressing concerns imo. Would probably double dip at OL, DL, or both. Center, OT, DT, and DT with the first four picks. Statistically the odds of hitting on a 3rd/4th round cb are almost the same as a 7th. So not much point looking at cb in that range. My money is on Kahn/Weidl building the trenches.

/edit

the more I think about it I’m not sure Newton is a good fit for us. He’s a bit on the small side for a 3-4 defense.

 

I don't see a reason to spend a pick on a RB.

The first and only mock I looked at have the Steelers taking DeJean, CB, Iowa at 20 and Zach Frazier G/C, West Virginia at 51. Positionally I wouldn't be upset. They had JPJ (G/C, Oregon) going 21st to Miami.

 

Maybe a udfa rb

 

Also, I am not opposed to WR on day 2. We need some more WR depth and this might be DJ's last year.

 

If you want to win games build the foundation first.

 

Also don't reach on guys like Kendrick Green

 

I like the OP's list especially the first 3 picks

Defensive Tackle, Center, Receiver. I can live with that. But a right tackle should be in the mix as well.

Maybe we can trade Chuks for a 4th?

 

Chucks has no trade value...Not at 8 millions

 

Maybe if some team is desperate enough and willing to rework his contract.

 

I think Chuk’s would have some value (4th/5th) if he were open to a salary reduction, but not at his current contract. Steelers would need to eat some of it, which I don’t believe they would do. Personally, I still believe Chuk’s was an “average” RT didn’t hurt us too bad), and would have loved to see Broderick in his natural LT position. I’m still head scratching a little over this situation, but Chuk’s won’t be here in 2024. I may be in the minority, but I’m really excited at the potential of Dylan Cook.

 

I thought that too about Newton until I turned on the tape. He has top 10 potential IMHO, and would be a good fit in our 3-4 with Benton clogging the middle.

 

I would like these 2 picks you mention.