The Pittsburgh Steelers have the NFL buzzing about their activity in the 2024 offseason. The Steelers added a former Super Bowl-winning quarterback, Russell Wilson, via free agency. Omar Khan added Justin Fields via a trade with the Chicago Bears for good measure. He also added three key pieces to the 2024 defense by acquiring Patrick Queen, DeShon Elliott and Donte Jackson.
Steelers.com
Steelers new linebacker Patrick Queen signed a free agent record contract with the organization.
In 2023, Khan performed unevenly in free agency and the trade market. He hit with Isaac Seumalo and missed with Patrick Peterson. He pulled off a highly-touted trade, sending Chase Claypool to the Bears for what turned into Joey Porter Jr., but also traded with the Los Angeles Rams for Allen Robinson II. The best part of the Steelers' 2023 offseason was the NFL draft. Khan and Andy Weidl imported what looks like the best Steelers draft class in recent memory.
Charles LeClaire / USA TODAY Sports
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin (left) smiles in the distance as long-time front office member Omar Khan watches a team practice.
Khan and Weidl, the dynamic duo, are looking to duplicate their performance in 2024. On Friday, the National Champions, the University Of Michigan, held their Pro Day in Ann Arbor. The Steelers sent a cavalcade of coaches and scouts to watch the Wolverines draft prospects work out. Khan brought along Mike Tomlin, Arthur Smith, and Terryl Austin to join Dan Colbert, the director of college scouting, to watch talented prospects like JJ McCarthy, Roman Wilson, Junior Colson, Kris Jenkins, and Mike Sainristil.
PRO-DAY UPDATE: Only fitting that national champs @UMichFootball, with record 18 Combine invitees, have biggest NFL turnout for pro-day.
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) March 22, 2024
Here's list of NFL attendees who'll be in Ann Arbor today, including former UM & current Chargers coaches Jim Harbaugh, Jesse Minter, & Ben… pic.twitter.com/ogpVnaJ35V
McCarthy has been rocketing up draft boards, but with the addition of Wilson and Fields, he probably does not figure in Pittsburgh's plans. Colson is a highly-touted linebacker prospect, but the addition of Queen may alter the Steelers' interest in the position and prevent him from being available if and when the Steelers try to address the position in April. The Steelers have gaping holes at wide receiver and cornerback, and a pair of Wolverines could be very solid day-two options for Khan and Weidl.
1.) Roman Wilson - Wide Receiver
Wilson is a projected day-two pick in April and has a tantalizing skill set, including blazing speed. Wilson was the Wolverines' deep threat in 2023. He displayed sure hands and the ability to separate in the Michigan offense. Wilson is at his best when plays are extended and has demonstrated an impressive ability to improvise. That could be a perfect match with the Steelers' new offensive coordinator.
Roman Wilson killed his pro day!
— NFL Draft Diamonds (@DraftDiamonds) March 22, 2024
Hearing he ranged from 3.99 to 4.01 on SS
6.75 for 3 cone
He met with the following teams before the pro day!
Rams
Patriots
Steelers
Commanders
Bears pic.twitter.com/rKzD3u1yrb
2.) Mike Sainristil - Cornerback
Sainristil is only 5' 9" and projects as a slot cornerback in the NFL. He has an outstanding nose for football and produced two pick-sixes in 2023. Sainristil is a hard-nosed football player who is a good tackler and very good at blitzing. That trait has been missing in Pittsburgh since Mike Hilton departed for the Cincinnati Bengals. Sainristil's size may push him into the third round, where Khan could pounce.
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK
Steelers' contingent of coaches at Michigan Wolverines 2024 pro day got a closer look at cornerback Mike Sainstril.
The Steelers could use help on the defensive line, but with the pressing holes on the offensive line and at wide receiver and cornerback, Jenkins, one of the top prospects at the position, could be a luxury they cannot afford on day two of the draft. The Wolverines have several offensive line prospects, including dark horse center prospect Drake Nugent, that Pittsburgh could potentially target on day three.
Steelers' Omar Khan And Mike Tomlin Are Taking A Keen Interest In Championship Pedigrees For 2024 Draft Prospects
This was the second time in 2024 that the Steelers sent the general manager, head coach, and both coordinators to watch a Pro Day. The first was the Georgia Bulldogs Pro Day on March 13th. Pittsburgh is paying close attention to the two teams that won the last three National Championships.
Most top free agents have signed with a new team, so Pittsburgh's best opportunity for roster help will probably come through the 2024 NFL draft. The needs are many, and the picks are few, but with Khan and Weidl at the helm, the Steelers fan base can rest assured that help is coming.
What do you think, Steeler Nation? Are you happy that the Steelers are concentrating on players with championship pedigrees? Please comment below or on my Twitter/X: @thebubbasq.
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