The Pittsburgh Steelers checked one need off of the board when General Manager Omar Khan stayed put at 20th overall and selected University of Washington offensive lineman, Troy Fautanu. The team will likely turn to the center, wide receiver and cornerback positions on day two, but an addition for the defensive line also can't be ruled out. With two third-round picks, the organization is expected to make three selections on Friday evening, unless Khan facilitates a trade. Overall, it will be another exciting night for the fan base as new personalities will join the organization.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan stands on the field in Pittsburgh, PA while the team warms up before a contest.
There could be a problem developing for the Steelers, however. All 31 teams are unpredictable (for the most part), but the synergies Pittsburgh has with the Los Angeles Chargers when it comes to needs are almost identical. Jim Harbaugh is now the head coach and according to USA Today, the team needs help at wide receiver, interior defensive line, offensive line and cornerback. Does that sound familiar?
Many believed Harbaugh and co. would go after Malik Nabers with the fifth overall pick, but elected to select Joe Alt. The domino effect that followed led the Tennessee Titans to select JC Latham. Three more options in Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Taliese Fuaga and Amarius Mims went off the board prior to the Steelers selecting Fautanu at 20.
This all was put in motion by the Chargers, and now, on day two, not only does Los Angeles have similar needs as the Steelers, but Harbaugh could elect to draft players he is familiar with from his time at the University of Michigan. The Chargers hold the 37th and 69th overall selections, while Pittsburgh currently has the 51st, 84th and 98th.
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Former University of Michigan Head Coach Jim Harbaugh celebrates on the stage after his team won the National Championship.
Pittsburgh could elect to make a massive jump up ahead of the Chargers if Khan wishes to strike a deal with the rebuilding Washington Commanders (picking 36th overall). This isn't just wise to get a receiver over Los Angeles, but especially makes sense if former Wolverine Roman Wilson is the round two target. Harbaugh needs wide receivers after the departures of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. There are several options, but Wilson is certainly one of them in the second round.
It is a bit of a double-whammy. If Wilson isn't the Steelers' target, any of the other wideouts could be. It's hard to imagine Los Angeles not going after a pass-catcher that can provide another set of weapons for Justin Herbert. Regardless, any of the play-makers that are available could be taken by the Chargers, presenting a potential problem for Pittsburgh.
The third round could see former Michigan star Mike Sainristil go as well. The need for a true number two cornerback is present for the Bolts, which could tempt Harbaugh to bring in his player from just four months ago. Both Head Coach Mike Tomlin and Khan attended Michigan's Pro Day, making it increasingly more likely that they currently have their eyes on one or more players that Harbaugh coached in 2023.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan (left) and Head Coach Mike Tomlin (right) sit in the franchise's draft room as they anxiously watch the board in 2023.
Steelers Could Face Another Issue If Linebacker Is Desired
Inside linebacker Junior Colson had a top 30 visit with the Steelers. With other pressing needs, it's unlikely he is a round three pick for Pittsburgh, but don't ever discount Pittsburgh drafting in that area. That leaves three prospects in Wilson, Sainristil and Colson as former Michigan Wolverines that Khan and Tomlin may be interested in. It just so happens that Harbaugh could be as well and picks before the Steelers in both rounds.
In terms of non-Michigan players, wideouts like Adonai Mitchell, Keon Coleman and Ladd McConkey all could be on the radar for Harbaugh. All in all, his brother John Harbaugh causes enough problems for the Steelers each year. It could be Jim, in the heat of the 2024 offseason, that does his brother a favor and scoops up one or more prospects that Pittsburgh might want.
Do you think the Chargers and Harbaugh could be an issue for the Steelers on day two of the 2024 NFL Draft? Let us know in the comments below!
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