Steelers Address Defense In 2 Extremely Early 2024 NFL Mock Drafts

As I am sure many Pittsburgh Steelers fans have realized by now, the team had a great 2023 NFL Draft. With their first pick, they took Broderick Jones who hopefully will be the future of their left tackle position. After that, they were able to completely revamp their cornerback room with Joey Porter Jr. and Cory Trice Jr. They also went and drafted a complete freak of nature at the tight end position with Darnell Washington. Then to top it all off, they drafted Nick Herbig and Keeanu Benton out of Wisconsin to fill the holes of their defense.

There Aren't Too Many Weaknesses On The Steelers

Now, media and most likely teams are starting to shift their focus toward the future. With that, the first couple of 2024 NFL mock drafts are starting to come out. One of the first things that you will notice when it comes to the Steelers is that these mock drafts have them addressing the defense in the first round. The first big mock draft to come out came from ESPN's Jordan Reid. In this mock draft, Reid has the Steelers taking Maason Smith with the 14th pick in the draft. He noted that there aren't too many weaknesses on the Steelers and could be looking toward future replacements.

"The Steelers don't have many glaring weaknesses in their starting lineup, but they might be looking for succession plans in multiple areas at draft time next year. They value defensive line depth, and Smith brings high-end traits."

Smith suffered a torn ACL in LSU's season opener in 2022. When healthy, Smith is a physical beast. With his bigger size, he could be the perfect replacement for the aging Cameron Heyward. Only time will tell what he will be able to do this year, but the expectations for him are through the roof.

"There are big expectations for the 6-5, 310-pound interior defender to rebound after he tore his left ACL in the season-opener last season. When healthy, Smith is agile and disruptive, and he can be moved around on the first level."

If the Steelers added Smith, then that could set them up for the future of their defensive interior. However, a mock draft from Ian Valentino of Pro Football Network (PFN) takes a look at a different position on the defense. They have the Steelers taking Dallas Turner, an edge rusher from Alabama with the 13th pick of the draft. He could be argued as the best player from this year's draft and is somewhat comparable to Will Anderson Jr.

"I have Dallas Turner a bit lower than most right now, but it’s not because of his physical tools. Turner has good production as a pass rusher thanks to his speed and presence across from Will Anderson Jr. However, he’s easily shut down if his bull rush is withstood and often had to be schemed free." 

Turner is a lengthier and skinnier edge rusher built more or less like a linebacker rather than a true defensive end. Since he is coming from Alabama, experience is not an issue. PFN went on to say that he is even comparable to 2021 Defensive Rookie of the Year Micah Parsons.

This 2024 draft class seems to be loaded with high upside potential. It has everything from a generational quarterback with Caleb Williams to a once in a lifetime wide receiver of Marvin Harrison Jr. There is so much talent that it would be hard for the Steelers to screw up their first pick. It could even lead to another insane draft like 2023.

So, what do you think Steeler Nation? What will the Steelers need in the future? Let me know in the comments below!

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