Pittsburgh Steelers (Last Year: 10-7)
NFL Draft Team Grade:
A- GradeGoals Entering the 2024 NFL Draft: The Steelers have two new quarterbacks, so to make sure one of them succeeds, they’ll need to beef up the offensive line. Two new blockers will be needed. The Steelers will also have to find at least one new receiver for their new signal-callers in the wake of the Diontae Johnson trade.
2024 NFL Draft Accomplishments: Forget two new blockers, the Steelers found three in their first five picks! This includes their initial two selections, with Pittsburgh drafting Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier. The consensus is that Fautanu slipped to No. 20, but there were some injury concerns with him. Still, Fautanu is a skilled blocker who can be used anywhere up front, including center. Of course, he won’t be stationed at center because of the Frazier pick. Frazier was a solid value in the second round, and he’ll fill a huge position of need.
Frazier wasn’t the only great value Pittsburgh secured. Roman Wilson also qualifies as a steal in the third round. Wilson could easily become Pittsburgh’s next second-day receiver hit. Meanwhile, Payton Wilson offers a possible huge upgrade next to Patrick Queen, though that would require him to stay healthy. Payton Wilson is very talented, but slipped in the draft because of some glaring medical issues.
I think the Steelers did a great job overall. Their draft class comes with some risk because of the Fautanu and Wilson medical problems, but if they can remain on the field, the Steelers will have come away with four new starters who figure to be productive early in their careers.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
20. Troy Fautanu, OT/G/C, Washington – B- Grade
The Steelers really need a center. Troy Fautanu is viewed mostly as a right tackle or guard, but he can play center as well. He comes with some major risk, however, as he was flagged medically by some teams. Graham Barton probably would have been the safer pick for Pittsburgh, though Fautanu comes with more upside.
51. Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia – A Grade
There aren’t that many talented centers in this class, but the Steelers were able to land one of them in the middle of the second round. Zach Frazier is someone I’ve seen discussed as a possibility late in the opening round, so I definitely like this value. Frazier fits an obvious huge need at center.
84. Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan – A+ Grade
The Steelers always knock it out of the park with their day-two receiver picks, and I think they’re getting another stud with this selection. Roman Wilson could have gone in the second round, so Wilson provides great value while filling a big need.
98. Payton Wilson, LB, N.C. State – B Grade
This might be deemed a steal by the media because Payton Wilson is a terrific player who fell because of injuries. However, I suspected Wilson would go in the third round because of those injuries. Wilson has major health problems and may not be able to stay on the field. If he can, however, he could be a great player for Pittsburgh, filling a big position of need.
119. Mason McCormick, G, South Dakota State – C- Grade
I can’t hate on any pick the Steelers use to address their dreadful offensive line. However, this is a reach, as Mason McCormick was considered a sixth- or seventh-round prospect. He has some upside, but is extremely raw.
178. Logan Lee, DT, Iowa – B Grade
The Steelers needed defensive line depth, so it makes sense to add someone like Logan Lee atop Round 6. Lee makes sense in this range, though he projects mostly as a career backup.
195. Ryan Watts, CB/S, Texas – B Grade
The Steelers had problems in their secondary last year, so adding another defensive back makes sense. Ryan Watts, a versatile defensive back who can play corner and safety, was seen as a sixth-round prospect.
Season Summary:
Another year, another winning record. Mike Tomlin was able to get his team into the playoffs this past season, but the absence of T.J. Watt made it improbable that Pittsburgh would defeat Buffalo in the opening round.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Offensive Tackle: The offensive line remains a concern for Pittsburgh. Dan Moore just isn’t cutting it, so he must be upgraded.
- Cornerback: Patrick Peterson performed poorly last year, as he was clearly past his prime. The Steelers need to add an upgrade across from Joey Porter Jr. Signed Donte Jackson
- Linebacker: Elandon Roberts and Cole Holcomb did a decent job last year, but the Steelers could stand to add a stud to the middle of their defense. Signed Patrick Queen
- Defensive Lineman: Cameron Heyward turns 35 this offseason, so the Steelers need to continue to add youth to their front. Signed Dean Lowry
- Edge Rusher: Pittsburgh’s defense tends to fall off a cliff when T.J. Watt gets injured. The team needs a better insurance policy behind him.
- Center: Another offensive line upgrade. Mason Cole was one of the weakest starting centers in the NFL last year.
- Two Wide Receivers: A better third receiver could be obtained to pair with George Pickens and Diontae Johnson. (Update: Johnson was traded.)
- Quarterback: The Steelers need to look into developing a quarterback just in case Kenny Pickett doesn’t improve. Traded for Justin Fields; signed Russell Wilson
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2024 NFL Free Agent Signings:
Pittsburgh Steelers Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
NFL Free Agent Tracker:
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