The Pittsburgh Steelers have been active participants throughout the 2024 offseason and have upgraded their roster in many key spots. That aggressive approach to improving their squad isn't going to stop during the 2024 NFL Draft, with several exciting prospects among Pittsburgh's 30 visits. After overhauling the quarterback position and addressing the linebacker situation, the Steelers are eager to continue bringing in talent to help them compete.
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Defensive tackle Braden Fiske during his time at Florida State
Veteran defensive lineman Cameron Heyward is coming off his 13th NFL season that, while it was't his most productive year, he earned himself a 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. Despite being one of the foundational pieces on Pittsburgh's defense, his age is a factor that the Steelers cannot ignore.
One possible future answer for when Heyward is no longer on the roster is former Florida State defensive tackle Braden Fiske. After a truly impressive combine performance, Fiske spoke with a confidence that would make him an excellent fit in Pittsburgh's bruising defense.
"I'm not necessarily surprised. That was the expectation going into the Combine. I want to put up great numbers. Did I expect to dominate in every asset? I humbly say yeah, just because I trained so hard for it... I will visit the Raiders, Steelers, and Chargers, so those are teams that are big players communication-wise."
After drafting Joey Porter Jr. with the first pick in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Steelers feel confident that they have found a shutdown cornerback for the future. In a league with ridiculous offenses, the need for more than one true starting cornerback has become a reality, though. Nate Wiggins, who played cornerback at Clemson, could be that guy to play opposite Porter Jr. and shut down both sides of the field for the next decade.
#Steelers pre-draft visits today are Clemson CB Nate Wiggins, Rice WR Luke McCaffrey and Oregon G Steven Jones.
— Dale Lolley (@dlolley_pgh) April 4, 2024
Wiggins, at 6'1", brings a reach that is enviable at the NFL level for a speedy defensive back. His 2023 collegiate season was his breakout year, where Wiggins earned himself a first-team All-ACC nod with two interceptions, two forced fumbles, one sack and one defensive touchdown. Whether the Steelers consider his resume impressive enough to warrant a high pick will later be seen on draft night, but by bringing in Wiggins for a visit, they have at least shown their interest.
On the offensive side of the football, the Steelers have had former Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall in for one of their 30 prospect visits. Pittsburgh is fully expected to add one or more receivers to its roster before it starts playing meaningful football in 2024. Trading away Diontae Johnson opened the door for George Pickens to prove that he could be a number-one receiver, but it also left the position group a bit thin.
Florida WR Ricky Pearsall was in for. predraft visit this week with the Steelers, per sources. Pearsall tested carry well at the combine with. 4.41 40 yard dash and a 42 inch vertical.
— Ray Fittipaldo (@rayfitt1) March 20, 2024
Pearsall would add speed (4.41 40-yard dash) as well as experience. The former Gator has the ability to stretch the field, but will also enter the NFL with five years of collegiate football under his belt. After the Kenny Pickett debacle, that kind of experience might not be as high on the Steelers' list, but Pearsall could be a solid prospect for a growing receiver room.
Matt Pendleton / Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK
Former Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall during a college game
Steelers Want Bulk On The Line
The Steelers wanted Broderick Jones to wear black and gold, and they traded up in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft to make sure it happened. Omar Khan and Andy Weidl have a goal to build up the tranches in Pittsburgh, and bringing in Jones added to a line that had Isaac Seumalo and James Daniels on it. Ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Steelers could be eyeing another offensive lineman to pair with Jones.
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Former Georgia offensive tackle Amarius Mims preparing to protect the quarterback
Amarius Mims, a former Georgia offensive tackle, would add yet another large, strong body to the Steelers' offensive line. Pittsburgh has shown a true dedication to winning the battle at the line of scrimmage, and Mims could be an important part of that plan. While bringing in Mims for a prospect visit isn't any guarantee, it means he at least fits what they are looking for. If the Steelers end up targeting Mims in the draft, they have proven that they will find a way to get their guy.
Who would you be most excited about the Steelers drafting in the first round?
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