Steelers' Omar Khan Could Make Surprise Selection In First Round Of 2024 NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering the 2024 NFL Draft with clear needs on the offensive line, as well as the wide receiver and cornerback positions. It wouldn't surprise anyone if the first three selections go in that exact order. One area that the organization has put off for a few years is the eventual defensive line replacement for future Hall of Fame candidate Cameron Heyward. The draft class is not exactly stout when it comes to the defensive line, but it still remains a need for General Manager Omar Khan and Head Coach Mike Tomlin. There will be options, but not many, which could lead to an unexpected selection.

Steelers' fans should keep an eye on the name Braden Fiske. The round two prospect had a pre-draft top 30 visit with Pittsburgh and could absolutely be a target if he is available when the team's second pick rolls around. Out of the franchise's top 30 visits with defensive linemen, he is certainly the most promising prospect out of the group.

Given Khan's unpredictability since taking over as the head of the front office in May of 2022, it's not out of the question to move away from the tradition of a first-round pick having a top 30 visit. This could especially be the case if the draft's top player at any given position falls down in round one. Two defensive linemen are expected to be taken within the top 32 picks, and one of them is a menace on the line.

Byron Murphy II from the University of Texas has widely been recognized as the top interior defensive lineman in the 2024 draft class. While he will likely be sccoped up before the Steelers' pick at 20th overall, there are scenarios that see him fall down outside of the top 19. That will present an incredibly interesting opportunity for Khan to potentially select Heyward's long-term replacement as the legendary player may be in his final season with the Steelers.

Murphy had an impressive eight and a half tackles for loss in 2023 to go along with five sacks. He was a beast on the inside and has 34 collegiate games of experience. The run-stuffer would be exactly what the Steelers need on the inside, but might not be worth the pick overall given other needs and holes on the roster. If he is sitting there at 20, though, it will be extremely hard to avoid selecting the top guy at his position in the entire pool of defensive linemen. 

The other first-round talent is Jer'Zhan Newtown out of the University of Illnois, but given the weak class, Murphy seems to be the only one who would make sense for Pittsburgh when it comes to their first selection. Newtown, however, does have an extremely impressive collegiate track record. He played all four seasons for the Illini and totaled 27.5 tackles for loss and 18 sacks.

Fiske remains the most likely target on the defensive line given the team's interest in him, but nothing has been normal for the Steelers since Khan took over. Assistant general manager Andy Weidl is also known for loving to build in the trenches. That points towards the first-round target being an offensive lineman, but Murphy falling could present an unexpected move by the front office. 

Steelers' Needs Elsewhere Might Hold Team Back From Making Unprecedented Move

Going after a prospect in the first round who did not do a top 30 visit would be very uncharacteristic for Pittsburgh. It's not often, however, you can select the top player at his position in the latter half of the first 32 picks. The offensive line may be too much of a pressing need to not go after a tackle first, but the defensive line is aging and a revamp is coming soon. Don't rule out a shocking selection of Murphy if he is passed on 19 times.

Would you be okay with the Steelers drafting Murphy in round one? Let us know in the comments below!

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