2024 NFL Mock Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers

2024 NFL Mock 

Draft: Pittsburgh 

Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers are up next in my 32-team 2024 Mock Draft series! The Steelers had a decent season last year, finishing with a 10-7 record and a playoff appearance. They have already started to make a lot of noise this offseason as well. They have a great defense and a middle of the pack offense, but I expect them to be competitive once again this season. Let's take a look at their offseason thus far:

Key Departures (as of 3/19/24):

QB Kenny Pickett --> Philadelphia Eagles (via trade)

QB Mitchell Trubisky --> Buffalo Bills (2 yrs/$5.25M; $2.71M guaranteed)

QB Mason Rudolph --> Tennessee Titans (1 yr/$2.87M; $2.7M guaranteed)

CB Patrick Peterson

WR Allen Robinson

Key Signings (as of 3/19/24):

LB Patrick Queen (3 yrs/$41M; $13.84M guaranteed)

QB Russell Wilson (1 yr/$2.1M)

QB Justin Fields (via trade with Chicago Bears)

SAF Deshon Elliott (2 yrs/$6M)

WR Van Jefferson

CB Donte Jackson

As I mentioned, the Steelers have been making noise. They signed veteran quarterback Russell Wilson to a 1-year deal, after the Broncos incurred a record-setting $85 million dead cap hit. Pittsburgh also landed quarterback Justin Fields in a trade with the Chicago Bears, which has made things very interesting. Perhaps Wilson opens the season as the start, then gives way to Fields? Are the Steelers perhaps stashing Fields to be their quarterback for the future? It will be very interesting to see how their plan unfolds, and it is coupled with great positions in the draft. Let's see what I can do in a 7-round Mock Draft...

Mock Draft completed via the PFF Mock Draft Simulator on 3/19/24

In this exercise, Iowa cornerback Cooper DeJean is staying in a black and gold uniform. The projections for DeJean at the next level vary. Some think he is a true outside corner, some think he is a nickel. Some think he will be best at safety. I am of the "true outside corner" mindset. If we go off of DeJean's snap counts from the last two seasons combined, we see: 1183 outside, 163 slot, 1 deep/safety. DeJean is a true outside corner. You can play him comfortable across Joey Porter Jr. Though, if Pittsburgh really wanted to deploy him in the nickel or as a safety, they can. DeJean will still be oozing talent.

I was shocked to see Zach Frazier available at #51. Is the PFF Mock Draft Simulator alright?? Frazier is an impressive talent out of West Virginia who scored 79 (3rd center overall) at the NFL Combine. He doesn't have great arm length, so he will be playing center and/or guard. His anchor isn't solid in comparison to other interior prospects in this draft, but he is both immensely and effortlessly strong. Frazier moves with sheer force and can easily help beef up Pittsburgh's interior offensive line, but his lack of length may limit him.

TRADE: Pittsburgh Steelers receiver 2024 Round 3 (Pick #86), 2025 Round 6; Houston Texans Receiver 2024 Round 3 (Pick #84). Pittsburgh moves back just two spots and hits on o-line once again, this time with Patrick Paul. I know I just had Paul getting drafted to the Bengals in my Bengals Mock Draft, but this is also a great pick for the Steelers. Coming in at 6'7"-320 pounds, Paul is a mountain of an offensive tackle with an incredible reach and wingspan. His technique needs a lot of work, but the size and intangibles are there. He may be a bit of a project, but could form a nice duo opposite of Broderick Jones.

DeWayne Carter is a really great selection here at #98 in my opinion. Whenever DT Cam Heyward calls for retirement, Carter can step right in and produce at an effective level. He is exceptionally quick laterally and has great burst off the line. Carter isn't a run stuffing threat, but is more suited to be a disruptor in the passing game due to his quickness and agility.

The Steelers select Malik Washington out of Virginia here in Round 4. Washington was very productive at UVA, amassing 110 receptions, 1426 yards, and 9 touchdowns last year. He relies on his great hands and crisp route-running ability. Outside of George Pickens in this current projected Steelers offense, you don't really have a solid producer. Van Jefferson? Calvin Austin III? Neither of them have proven track records. Washington comes in at 5'8", however, so he will most likely be a huge producer out of the slot and/or be more of a gadget-type receiver.

In Round 6, Pittsburgh selects Joe Milton III. This pick makes a lot of sense to me. I know the Steelers have just brought in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, but this is a long-term-focused pick. Wilson is only on a 1-year deal. I speculate that Fields is the prospective quarterback of the future for Pittsburgh. But Fields is a very polarizing talent. Is he the answer? Or is he not? He wasn't for Chicago. Into the conversation comes Joe Milton III. We all know the arm strength is there. The accuracy, however? It is questionable at best. Milton III definitely possesses a lot of athleticism and traits that can be forged into something great, though. So, if Fields works out, you still have a great backup in Joe Milton III. If the plan with Fields tanks, you can turn to another young talent who may turn out to be a productive quarterback.

With their final selection in this exercise, the Steelers draft Brennan Jackson. This is a very gifted edge rusher in my eyes, and I thinks Round 6 is a steal for him since I have a Round 4 grade on him. Jackson plays with an extremely high motor, has great bend and fluidity in his hips, and explodes off the snap. He may not be the most quick or smooth edge rusher in this class, but he plays relentlessly and all the way to the whistle (and sometimes through the whistle). He would be a good player to provide some juice off the edge with Larry Ogunjobi in Pittsburgh.

PFF Mock Draft Grade: A