3 losers following Steelers' 2024 NFL Draft

While the NFL Draft is a time of optimism and jubilation for members of a team's front office and coaching staff, the current players on rosters don't always feel the same.  The draft proves that as hard as it is to make it to the NFL, its that much harder to stick around.  And for […]

Rob Gregson NFL News Writer
Add as preferred source on Google
Oct 29, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebackers Cole Holcomb (55) and Elandon Roberts (50) celebrate a third down tackle against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

While the NFL Draft is a time of optimism and jubilation for members of a team's front office and coaching staff, the current players on rosters don't always feel the same. 

The draft proves that as hard as it is to make it to the NFL, its that much harder to stick around. 

And for these groups of players on the Pittsburgh Steelers, that challenge was just raised up a notch:


Loser #1: Veteran LBs

Oct 8, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) is tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts (50) as linebacker Cole Holcomb (55) closes in on the play during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. The Steelers won 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

Free agency was writing on the wall for Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts, seeing as the team signed Patrick Queen to the highest free agent contract in franchise history. But when the team took Payton Wilson on the end of day two, his profile of being ready-made but potentially short-lived points to a world where those two are starting and one of the veterans is potentially off the team before they can get through the final year of their deal. 


Loser #2: Veteran Offensive Linemen

Oct 22, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) throws as guard Isaac Seumalo (73) provides coverage against Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Anytime a team addresses the same position group three times within their top five picks, it usually doesn't bode well for the players who are already on the team. And while Dan Moore Jr., Isaac Seumalo and James Daniels have all been serviceable or even good, the acquisitions on draft weekend point to a world for turnover on the unit. 


Loser #3: Calvin Austin III

After missing his first year with injury and then struggling to gain snaps over the recently released Allen Robinson, Calvin Austin III was already behind in the pecking order. 

Pittsburgh added a variety of free agents and then Roman Wilson on draft weekend, and may not be done yet with a couple of veteran WRs potentially available via trade or the lingering stage of free agency.  

And while he had value as a returner, Pittsburgh signed one of the best ever in Cordarrelle Patterson during the heart of free agency last month. That leaves Austin needing to have a big camp if he wants to stick in Pittsburgh past his rookie deal.