The Pittsburgh Steelers had a strong 2024 NFL Draft, but where do they stack within the AFC North?
The 2024 NFL Draft has come and gone, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are welcoming in their new batch of rookies.
The Steelers are eyeing to get back on top of the AFC North, but how did they do compared to the rest of the division?
Bleacher Report gave grades for every NFL team, and here’s how the AFC North ranked:
Pittsburgh Steelers: A+
On paper, Khan and the Steelers knocked this draft out of the proverbial park. Fautanu, Frazier and Roman Wilson mesh perfectly with the old-school Steelers identity that Pittsburgh seems eager to rediscover. Meanwhile, Payton Wilson could become the steal of the draft if he can stay healthy throughout his NFL career.
This was a masterful exercise in allowing the draft to develop while still marrying need with value.
Baltimore Ravens: B+
Overall, it was another solid draft for Eric DeCosta and the Ravens. Baltimore could have benefited from addressing the offensive interior early in the draft, but it did get some very good prospects who can become contributors over the next few seasons.
The Ravens also avoided making a substantial reach at any one position of need. This class may not completely offset Baltimore’s free-agent losses, but it should help ensure that the Ravens are back in the Super Bowl conversation for the 2024 season.
As is often the case for the Bengals, Cincinnati largely approached the draft with the future in mind. That plan has helped the Bengals to maintain competitiveness over the past few years, but it’s hard to believe it will make them more legitimate contenders in 2024.
If this class pays off for Cincinnati, it’s likely to happen a year or two down the road.
Cleveland Browns: B-
The Browns, of course, lack reliable options after Amari Cooper and have continually added to the position in an effort to find it. Thrash, the 90th-ranked prospect on the B/R board, represents a great value in Round 5. Don’t be surprised if he overtakes recent draft picks like David Bell and Cedric Tillman Jr. on the depth chart sooner than later.
Cleveland didn’t have a ton of draft capital, and its 2024 class won’t generate many headlines. However, Berry and the Browns managed to come away with a handful of players who can stick with the franchise long-term.
The Steelers grabbed a win here, but compared to the rest of the division, they arguably had the most room for growth. The season will soon delegate which team exactly reigns supreme in the AFC North.