The Pittsburgh Steelers made a strategic move by selecting Iowa defensive end Logan Lee with the 178th overall pick in the draft. Prior to drafting Lee, the Steelers selected an offensive lineman from South Dakota State, Mason McCormick. On Friday, the team officially solidified their commitment to Lee and McCormick signing them to rookie contracts.
Byron Houlgrave / The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK
Former Iowa defensive lineman Logan Lee gets ready to rush the offense.
While Lee enters the team as a sixth-round pick with modest expectations, he is determined to make an impact from the outset. Throughout his college career, Lee demonstrated his prowess on the field as a key starter for 13 games on one of college football's top-ranked defenses. In the 2023 season alone, he tallied an impressive 55 tackles, with 19 of those being solo efforts.
Although Lee may initially see significant action on special teams in the upcoming season, the aging defensive line presents an opportunity for him to vie for playing time as an interior defensive lineman. It will be intriguing to observe his progress as he competes for snaps in 2024.
South Dakota State University Athletics
Steelers' Mason McCormick during a game at South Dakota State University.
McCormick joins the team as a fourth-round draft pick, flying somewhat under the radar as an offensive lineman prospect. Despite facing lesser competition in college, he showcased his talent admirably when matched against more established schools, earning recognition from the Steelers for his ability to hold his ground. With his potential, McCormick emerges as a stealthy yet promising addition to the Steelers' offensive line for the future.
Steelers' 2024 Draft Class Praised By The Experts
The Steelers' draft this year was a resounding success. With astute selections across the board, they effectively addressed key needs without sacrificing valuable draft capital.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan picks up the phone in the team's war room during the 2023 NFL Draft weekend.
Their strategic approach allowed them to secure high-value prospects at the right positions without needing to maneuver in the draft. As a result, fans are brimming with anticipation to witness the performance of the team's promising rookies in the seasons ahead.
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