What positions represent the most value in each round?
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a handful of pressing needs to fill in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Cornerback, wide receiver, and probably most importantly – offensive line. will all need to be a priority in the first few rounds of their draft. The real strategy is drafting those players wherever they represent the most value. For example, avoiding one in round one in a deep receiver class is best.
Here are some names in each round that could end up wearing black and gold by the end of the weekend:
Round 1 — Offensive line
Potential picks: Graham Barton (Duke), Amarius Mims (Georgia), Troy Fautanu (Washington), Jackson Powers-Johnson (Oregon)
To summarize my last 5 phone calls- everyone is moving up for an OT.
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) April 24, 2024
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah says everyone is trying to move up for an offensive lineman. That’s because it’s such a top-heavy position. If the Steelers miss out on one of these players in round one, I’m not sure they’ll be able to find a plug-and-play starter in the later rounds.
I broke down Graham Barton’s tape a few months back, and he was very impressive. The versatile offensive lineman would be a steadying presence in the interior of the Steelers starters up front.
Fautanu is projected by most draftnik’s to be selected in the top 15, but recent concerns about his medicals could slide him down the board. It’s a safe bet one of these young men will be the Steelers’ first pick.
Round 2 — Wide receiver
Potential picks: Ricky Pearsall (Florida), Xavier Legette (South Carolina), Roman Wilson (Michigan), Malachi Corley (Western Kentucky)
This wide receiver group is a VERY deep class, which is why this is likely the sweet spot for the Steelers. That is, if they don’t swing a big trade for someone like San Francisco 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk or Denver Broncos WR Courtland Sutton.
Pearsall, Legette, and Corley were all invited to the Burgh for a top-30 visit. And HC Mike Tomlin got an up close and personal look at Wilson at the Senior Bowl when he challenged him to go against the top cornerback in the class in Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell.
Background on this — both Roman Wilson and Quinyon Mitchell said that Mike Tomlin came up to them before practice and told them to start going against each other all day. They did just that.
Both players have met with the Steelers a few times. https://t.co/oHeC10pzpp
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) January 31, 2024
Each would make for a solid second receiver next to George Pickens.
Round 3 — Cornerback
Potential picks: Andru Phillips (Kentucky), Mike Sainristil (Michigan), Khryee Jackson (Oregon), Cam Hart (Notre Dame)
Waiting until round three to address the defense is prudent, given the needs on the other side of the ball, and there will be a strong crop of backend players available. Kentucky’s Andru Phillips has been a fast riser due to his out-of-this-world testing at his pro day. Michigan’s Mike Sainristil is a versatile prospect who could hold down the slot corner role right away. And Cam Hart is a tall and rangy cornerback who has some Joey Porter Jr.-like traits to his game.
Round 4 — Defensive tackle
Potential picks: Maason Smith (LSU), Mekhi Wingo (LSU), Mckinnley Jackson (Texas A&M)
Defensive tackle could be addressed earlier if someone like Florida State’s Braden Fiske is available in the second round, but if the Steelers elect to wait until the fourth round, there are high upside prospects who they’ve shown plenty of interest in.
LSU prospect Maason Smith has been frequently mocked to the Steelers after making a top-30 pre-draft visit to the Steel City. He had an up-and-down career which included an ACL tear in 2022. That forced him to miss the season. He was then suspended for LSU’s 2023 season opener for receiving improper benefits. The kid is oozing with potential but would require some patience from the team that takes him.
3T Maason Smith #0
Another clip of Maason Smith. He pairs all that power with a swim move? The 1st round talent is still in there, it’s just in a team to bring it out.#NFL #NFLDraft #NFLDraft2024 #LSU pic.twitter.com/5s8SVU6zCM— Charlie Prio (@CharliePrio1) April 25, 2024
In summary, the NFL draft board value chart for the Steelers could likely be:
- Round 1: OL
- Round 2: WR
- Round 3: CB
- Round 4: DL