Steelers Are Very Likely To Select One Of These Six Players In Round 1 Of The 2024 NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in an intriguing position as they hold the 20th pick in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. Amidst the fervent anticipation, speculation runs rife regarding the Steelers' strategic move with this pivotal pick. With discerning eyes on their roster, it's evident that the Steelers have pressing needs at key positions, including center, wide receiver, offensive tackle, and cornerback. However, the consensus among analysts and enthusiasts alike leans heavily towards the center and wide receiver positions as the Steelers' most dire areas for reinforcement.

As the Steeler Nation community eagerly awaits the Steelers' draft day decisions, seasoned oddsmaker, Adam Thompson from Bookies.com, emerges as a beacon of insight. With two decades of NFL coverage under his belt, Thompson boasts a network of trusted contacts across the league. Leveraging this wealth of insider information, Thompson has meticulously crafted a list of the Steelers' top six potential additions for the first round. His predictions are not just educated guesses; they are the culmination of years of experience and a deep understanding of the intricate dynamics shaping NFL Draft strategies.

Thompson's insights into the Steelers' 20th pick unveil a compelling landscape of potential prospects. Topping the list is Jackson Powers-Johnson, the versatile lineman from Oregon, boasting odds of +300, which translates to a 25.0% chance of selection. Following closely is Graham Barton, the center from Duke, with odds at +350, indicating a solid 22.2% likelihood. 

Brian Thomas, the wide receiver hailing from LSU, emerges as a formidable contender with odds of +450, signaling an 18.2% chance of joining the Steelers roster. 

J.C. Latham from Alabama and Adonai Mitchell from Texas share the spotlight with identical odds at +500, each carrying an implied probability of 16.7%. Troy Fautanu from Washington follows suit with odds of +750, suggesting an 11.8% chance of making the cut. For those inclined towards the allure of the underdog, the field presents an enticing option with odds at +1100, translating to an 8.3% likelihood of a surprise pick. That means that Thompson is very confident one of these six players will be selected by the Steelers in round one. 

Steelers Going With A Center At 20 Would Be Safe

The Steelers currently find themselves in a precarious position, lacking a dependable option at center on their roster. With the 20th pick looming in the draft, the notion of selecting Powers-Johnson emerges as a prudent and secure move. It's evident that the Steelers hold Powers-Johnson in high regard and there's a palpable concern that he may not be available by the time their next pick rolls around in the second round. This dilemma underscores an intriguing strategic conundrum for the Steelers: do they invest their 20th overall pick in Powers-Johnson, or take the gamble of securing him later?

Indeed, the draft landscape is fraught with unpredictability, where players can unexpectedly rise or fall in the rankings. The Steelers must carefully weigh their options, considering both the available talent pool and their immediate positional needs. While the allure of drafting a standout talent at another position may tempt them, the pressing necessity for a reliable center cannot be overlooked.

As speculation runs rampant among Steelers fans and media pundits alike, discussions swirl around potential draft strategies. Some advocate for the Steelers to trade down from the 20th pick, leveraging it to acquire additional selections in later rounds and bolster their overall draft haul. All eyes are firmly fixed on the Steelers as they navigate the intricate web of pre-draft maneuvers and decisions.

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