5 players on the Steelers’ first-round wishlist ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft
It's finally here. After weeks of pre-draft buildup, rumors, and speculation, the week has come for the 2024 NFL Draft. But before Pittsburgh is on the clock come Thursday, let's take a look at five players they should have on their round one wishlist: Option #1: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia As we stand on Monday […]
It's finally here.
After weeks of pre-draft buildup, rumors, and speculation, the week has come for the 2024 NFL Draft.
But before Pittsburgh is on the clock come Thursday, let's take a look at five players they should have on their round one wishlist:
Option #1: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
As we stand on Monday before the draft, Amarius Mims feels like the pick at 20. There are concerns about his lack of experience and durability, but you don't find athletes at 6-8, nearly 350 pounds, and with the god-given athleticism that Mims has.
A high-character player who's willing to do what it takes to get better, Mims ensures a decade-plus of bookend tackle play between him and Broderick Jones, who would also benefit from the selection as he can get back to left tackle.
Option #2: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Currently, the Pittsburgh Steelers WR room includes proven production from George Pickens and..
Oh wait, that's it.
Having yet to sign a veteran free agent WR (hello Tyler Boyd) and with plenty of WRs in the class, it's not if, but when Pittsburgh addresses the position. And while they can wait until day two if Mims is gone, good luck finding a better weapon to pair alongside George Pickens than Brian Thomas Jr.
Option #3: Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa
While the Steelers traded for Donte Jackson at corner and signed DeShon Elliott to play safety all in week last month, the DB room is still missing some juice and multiplicity, something that Cooper DeJean presents in droves.
And while it's not atop the list of needs, sometimes you have to take the best player available, which would likely be the case if DeJean is there at 20 and some of the aforementioned prospects are not.
Option #4: Graham Barton, OL, Duke
You'll have a hard time finding a better combination of athleticism, football intellect and character than Graham Barton. Not just in the 24' class, but any class for that matter.
With positional flexibility that includes all five positions and ready-made technique, Barton would walk into Pittsburgh as the starting center with ample opportunities to make big plays.
Want to know more about why a center-guard could go as high as the top 20 picks, here is an exclusive interview between Barton and A to Z Sports.
Option #5: Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon
While I think it would be a little rich to see Jackson Powers-Johnson taken at 20th overall, I included him as the final name on the Steelers' wishlist because he is arguably the best center in the class, and fills a position of glaring need right away.
If Pittsburgh could find a way to trade down in the first and select him while adding additional day-two capital for a WR and or a tackle…
Let's just say their wish would be granted.
