Pittsburgh Steelers Go Big And Reinforce Both Lines In 2024 PFF Simulator Mock Draft 1.0

Pittsburgh Steelers' Omar Khan, Mike Tomlin, and Andy Weidl are hard at work preparing for the NFL Combine, which is set to kick off on February 29th, 2024. The NFL Draft has been the central component of Steelers team building since Chuck Noll took over in 1969. Pittsburgh posted the best draft in NFL history in 1974 when they selected Lynn Swann, Jack Lambert, Mike Webster, and John Stallworth. All four were elected to the Hall of Fame. The Steelers also signed Donnie Shell as an undrafted free agent who became the fifth member of the class to end up in Canton, OH. 

It was a mind-boggling achievement in talent evaluation, and it cannot be topped. That will not stop every Steelers fan from simulating endless mock drafts on social media and trying, however. It is a fun way for fans to continue to try to get their football fix, and multiple sites offer the service. Last offseason, in the lead-up to the 2023 NFL Draft, Steeler Nation used the Pro Football Focus simulator to predict what Khan would do and nailed the who in Broderick Jones in the first round, but not the how.

Another Year For A Steelers Pro Football Focus Mock Draft

A quick refresher for the uninitiated or those who just plain forgot: we will use the default setting on the PFF simulator. The full simulator is available with a subscription, but they also have free versions you can access here. Another reminder: we are at the mercy of the simulator and who is available when the Steelers are on the pretend clock. Without further adieu, let's kick off the second annual completely at the mercy of the simulator 2024 mock draft 1.0. 

Round 1, Pick 20 

Jer'Zhan Newton - Defensive Line, Illinois

The reality is that the Steelers have a lot of holes to fill on both sides of the ball. Drafting Amarius Mims, who was available in the simulator at 20, was mighty tempting, but the defensive line needs a major infusion of youth. Pairing Jer'Zhan Newton with Keeanu Benton as the future of the Steelers' defensive line is too good to pass up. 

The Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and two-time All-American has a tremendous pedigree and is a prototypical 3-4 defensive end. Newton is arguably the best defensive line prospect in the 2024 draft class. Surprisingly, Jackson Powers-Johnson went to the New Orleans Saints at pick 14, and even with Mims available, we can't say Newton's name fast enough. 

Round 2, Pick 52

Kiran Amegadjie - Tackle, Yale

The Ivy League produced one of the best young wide receivers in 2023, Andrei Iosivas, for the Cincinnati Bengals. The Steelers can get one of the best tackle prospects in the 2024 draft class by bringing another Ivy Leaguer into the AFC North. Kiran Amegadjie would likely be a first-round pick if he had not missed a significant portion of 2023 with a quad injury. 

Amegadjie is a versatile athletic tackle with a reputation for being too aggressive. Tomlin prefers to say, "whoa than sic 'em," and the former All-Ivy League tackle could test the limits of his patience. He has tremendous natural gifts. Still, like all players from smaller schools, the level of competition will count against him. It could work to the Steelers' advantage if Amegadjie falls into the second round.  

Round 3, Pick 87 

Sedrick Van Pran - Center, Georgia

The Steelers need a new center. Powers-Johnson went to the Saints at 14 in this mock draft simulation, and Zach Frazier went to the Green Bay Packers at 41. Sedrick Van Pran is available in the third round, and it is not a consolation prize for the black and gold. He was First Team All-SEC in 2023 and a two-time National Champion with the Georgia Bulldogs. 

Van Pran played in 44 games in college, and he allowed only one sack. He is a tremendous run blocker and has the same nasty edge Jones displayed for the Steelers once he got onto the field in 2023. He still has room for improvement as both a run blocker and pass protector, but Van Pran is miles ahead of Mason Cole and should be a day-one starter.  

Round 4, Pick 120

Cooper Beebe - Guard, Kansas State

James Daniels is entering the final year of the three-year contract Kevin Colbert signed him to in 2022. Cooper Beebe could have declared for the NFL Draft last season, but he chose to return to Kansas State. Beebe is a highly decorated offensive lineman. He is the two-time Big 12 Offensive Lineman of The Year and a two-time All-American. 

Beebe is another ferocious run blocker. He has short arms that forced him to the interior of the line, and he has shone as one of the best guards in the NCAA during his collegiate career. Three offensive linemen may seem like overkill, but picking a replacement for Daniels, who will become a free agent after 2024 and is also a possible long-term upgrade, makes a lot of sense for an Arthur Smith offense that wants to pound the rock.   

Round 4, Pick 121

Dwight McGlothern - Cornerback, Arkansas

Full disclosure: Kalen King was available. A large portion of Steeler Nation wants to see King reunited with Joey Porter Jr. and in the fourth round, it would be the popular choice, but not the right one. Dwight McGlothern is a better fit for a Steelers defense compiling big cornerbacks who can run and be physical. 

He started his career with the LSU Tigers, but transferred to Arkansas before the 2022 season. McGlothern was Second Team All-SEC in 2022 after surrendering a 48.7 passer rating in 12 games. He only played in nine games in 2023 and allowed a still elite, but slightly higher passer rating of 50.3. McGlothern would be an excellent partner to grow with Porter.

Round 6, Pick 198

Ty'Ron Hopper - Linebacker, Missouri

In 2023, the Steelers lost Cole Holcomb and Kwon Alexander to season-ending injuries at inside linebacker. Elandon Roberts played in 16 games for the black and gold, and when injuries struck, Mark Robinson did not answer the bell. Pittsburgh turned to Myles Jack and Blake Martinez, who were retired at the beginning of the season. The Steelers need young talent at inside linebacker, and Ty'Ron Hopper in the sixth round is a solid fit. 

Hopper is a two-time All-SEC Second Team linebacker with a nose for the football. He is good in pass coverage and plays fast and decisive against the run. He plays sideline to sideline, but is not the biggest hitter for a linebacker. Running backs rarely escape from his tackles, but they can gain an extra yard or two while Hopper brings them down. 

Round 7, Pick 238

Sam Hartman - Quarterback, Notre Dame

Pittsburgh is going to draft a quarterback. Currently, only Kenny Pickett is under contract, and at the very least, they will probably add an arm late in the draft. Assuming they don't pick Spencer Rattler or Jordan Travis in the middle rounds, Sam Hartman is a solid alternative option as the third or fourth quarterback on the depth chart. 

Hartman's tenure at Notre Dame was disappointing, but his tenure in the ACC with Wake Forest could reveal his potential as a hidden gem. He threw for over 8,000 yards and 77 touchdowns for the Demon Deacons in his final two seasons. He started a whopping 57 games in five seasons and, in his last 38 starts, posted a 27-11 record.

Overall Grade: B-

The PFF simulator predictably was not a huge fan of spending the first four picks on the offensive and defensive lines and graded this draft a B-. With a B+ in the third round, Van Pran was the highest-graded pick. Despite his impressive pedigree, Beebe was the lowest-rated selection as a D+ in the fourth round. 

This effort was not cornerback and wide receiver heavy, which the PFF simulator rewards almost as much as pass rush win rates. The trenches will get heavy reinforcements if the draft cookie crumbles this way. It might not fit the modern NFL, but it does fit how Tomlin and the Steelers want to play football, which is a solid result. 

What do you think, Steeler Nation? Who will you be watching in the combine next week? Please post your mock drafts on my Twitter/X: @thebubbasq. 

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