The Pittsburgh Steelers will have plenty of work to do before the 2024 NFL Draft in late April. General Manager Omar Khan and his right-hand man, Andy Weidl will be tasked with bringing in players to make the roster more championship-ready. Quarterback uncertainty, a shaky secondary and other issues will be at the front of their minds when putting together a draft strategy.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers assistant general manager, Andy Weidl speaks to the media.
The first version of my mock drafts emphasizes the needs that Pittsburgh has on both sides of the ball. It starts off with picking a partner-in-crime for the team's standout rookie in 2023: Joey Porter Jr.
1.) Round One, 20th Overall - Kool-Aid McKinstry, Cornerback - University Of Alabama
Kool-Aid McKinstry has been a popular name in Pittsburgh. While he only had two interceptions in his three seasons at the University of Alabama, he has the abilities to be a lock-down corner in the NFL. It never hurts to analyze the fact that most players coming from Nick Saban are ready to play at the next level almost immediately.
The Steelers haven't drafted well when it comes to the cornerback position in the 21st century, but Khan and Weidl may have hit a home run with Porter Jr. There's no reason to stop the momentum when a prospect like McKinstry is available. Selecting him could set up the Steelers' secondary for years to come.
2.) Round Two, 52nd Overall - Jackson Powers-Johnson, Center - University Of Oregon
No one in their right mind would enter the 2024 season with Mason Cole starting at the center position. His horrible snapping paired with countless missed blocks needs to be addressed and Jackson Powers-Johnson fell right into Pittsburgh's lap in the second round here. The 6'3", nearly-320 pound offensive lineman had 27 games of playing experience in college and could step in right away.
The Kendrick Green experiment may have fans worried to select a guy who has experience playing both the guard and center positions, but Powers-Johnson is athletic, intelligent and won the Rimington Award, which is given to the country's best center.
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University of Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson
3.) Round Three, 84th Overall - Ruke Orhorhoro, Defensive Line - Clemson University
While Cameron Heyward wants to return in 2024, Keeanu Benton is the only true young and emerging prospect that the Steelers have on the defensive line. Ruke Orhorhoro out of Clemson University would add to the position group. The 6'4", 300-pound lineman has plenty of playing experience. He competed in 43 games for the Tigers and is no joke in the trenches.
Clemson is known for stud defensive lineman and Orhorhoro is no different. His best asset is his strength as he has the ability to blow up run plays before they even get started. He can get into the backfield and be extremely disruptive. He and Benton could create a long-term partnership similar to that of McKinstry and Porter Jr.
4.) Round Four, 119th Overall - Jaden Hicks, Safety - Washington State University
Minkah Fitzpatrick can't do it all in the backend of Pittsburgh's secondary. Eric Rowe was a nice addition towards the end of the 2023 season and Damontae Kazee and Keanu Neal both have another year left on their contracts. Jaden Hicks could enter training camp as the fourth safety on the roster and slowly work into a key role with the team.
A long-term solution at the safety position could enter the conversation in 2024. Fitzpatrick and a talented young defender could set that area of the defense up for the foreseeable future. Hicks had three interceptions in two seasons as a starter for the Cougars.
Dean Rutz / The Seattle Times
Washington State safety Jaden Hicks (#25) practices on the field with his team in college.
5.) Round Four, 120th Overall - Spencer Rattler, Quarterback - University Of South Carolina
The Steelers have an additional fourth-round selection after trading Kevin Dotson to the Los Angeles Rams. It was hard to pass up on a talented quarterback that fell into the fourth round. Spencer Rattler was once looked at as a future first-round pick, but his play dropped off a bit when he transferred from Oklahoma to the University of South Carolina.
He has been turnover-prone, but Pittsburgh needs to bring a signal-caller in to compete with Kenny Pickett. If Mason Rudolph doesn't return in 2024 and Mitchell Trubisky is released, depth will be necessary. The front office may have missed with the selection of Pickett and bringing in another young guy with plenty of playing experience could make for a great competition.
6.) Round Six, 198th Overall - Isaiah Williams, Wide Receiver - University Of Illinois
Allen Robinson II will probably be a cap casualty which will give Calvin Austin III a chance to step up in the slot role. That shouldn't keep the team from targeting the position in the draft. Isaiah Williams had his best collegiate season in 2023 and hauled in 82 catches that went for 1,055 yards and five touchdowns. The Steelers know a little something about successfully drafting an undersized receiver in the sixth round.
You can never have too many weapons on offense and while Williams isn't going to wow anyone with his measurables, he could be a diamond in the rough late in the draft. Don't count the Steelers out on selecting a pass catcher at some point.
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University of Illinois wide receiver Isaiah Williams lifts his hands in the air in celebration after a score.
7.) Round Seven, 241st Overall - Nathaniel Watson, Linebacker - Mississippi State University
Joining the interior linebackers room with Elandon Roberts, Cole Holcomb and Mark Robinson is Nathaniel Watson. He is a seasoned football player as he spent six seasons at Mississippi State University. He had 137 total tackles in 2023 and added 13 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles as well as an interception. Robinson has played some meaningful football and was a seventh-rounder back in 2022.
Some outlets have him projected as a potential day two pick so when he was available in the seventh round, it was impossible to stay away from selecting him. He would be a steal this late.
Pro Football Focus Mock Draft Simulator
Parker Abate's 2024 Mock Draft 1.0
Steelers Avoid Taking Offensive Tackle
Pittsburgh should be taking a look at someone who is able to play right tackle so Broderick Jones moves back to the left side. Chukwuma Okorafor was benched midseason and Dan Moore Jr. was not too successful in pass blocking in 2023. The opportunity didn't present itself in this mock to go after a right tackle, but the Steelers' activity in 2024 free agency will give fans a hint at what they are thinking for the draft.
Who are you rooting for the Steelers to select in the 2024 NFL Draft? Let us know in the comments below!
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