Grading the Steelers 2024 Draft Class: Pittsburgh accomplishes goal of getting bigger, tougher, faster
The draft is done, the picks are in, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are on to adding college and NFL free agents. So while the roster will look different come September then it does now, the 2024 Steelers acquisition of talent is largely complete barring a few names. Their 2024 draft class makes up most of […]
The draft is done, the picks are in, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are on to adding college and NFL free agents.
So while the roster will look different come September then it does now, the 2024 Steelers acquisition of talent is largely complete barring a few names.
Their 2024 draft class makes up most of those new faces, meaning now is a great time to see how much better the Steelers got over draft weekend:
Round 1, No. 20 overall: Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
Breaking down the pick: Fautanu turned out to be an absolute steal for Pittsburgh in round one, falling into the team's lap after an unprecedented run of QBs and offensive players overall. That left Pittsburgh in a position to take the highest remaining player on their board, and my second-highest-graded tackle via Troy Fautanu.
Final Grade: A+
Round 2, No. 51 overall: Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia
Breaking down the pick: Zach Frazier was one of the best centers in the class, and if some of the reports are true, he was Pittsburgh's highest-grade pure center. Easily one of the toughest players in the draft, the fact that Pittsburgh could stick and take a potential decade-plus starter, I'd say that's a win.
Final Grade: A+
Round 3, No. 84 overall: Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan
Breaking down the pick: 3/3 at this point in the draft, Pittsburgh added a dynamic WR threat and didn't have to move to get him. A track star given his 4.39 speed, Roman Wilson also has a championship-level pedigree and the character traits needed to develop into a significant contributor for years to come.
Final Grade: A
Round 3, No. 98 overall (from PHI): Payton Wilson, LB, NC State
Breaking down the pick: If Payton Wilson had a clean medical history, this would be the steal of the draft. But that would never happen because he would have had trouble escaping the first round. Coming back from multiple knee and shoulder surgeries last year, Pittsburgh is hoping he can produce over the duration of his rookie deal, in which case this pick would be an A. But if he doesn't touch the field, it would be hard to properly assess the selection.
Final Grade: B
Round 4, No. 119 overall (from SEA): Mason McCormick, OG, South Dakota State
Breaking down the pick: This pick was one of the harder ones to grade. You can't knock the player, as Mason McCormick only lasted so long because he comes from a small school. His experience and traits lend him starter upside. But Pittsburgh needed some depth on defense, particularly at CB, and there were multiple options on the board.
Final Grade: B
Round 6, No. 178 overall : Logan Lee, DL, Iowa
Breaking down the pick: Logan Lee is a well-framed interior defensive lineman who projects to be a project, but one that could have tremendous upside if he hits. I compare him to current Steeler Isaiahh Loudermilk, but with a higher ceiling given his potential to develop into a plus pass rusher
Final Grade: A
Round 6, No. 195 overall: Ryan Watts, DB, Texas
Breaking down the pick: Profiling perfectly for what Pittsburgh wants out of their safeties at 6-2, over 200 pounds, and with 4.5 speed, Ryan Watts was a home run in the 6th round.
You can't label him or try and fit him into a box, as Watts is a plus one in man coverage, potentially projecting to be a big nickel or heavy slot corner that's utilized to slow down position versatility on opposing offenses.
Final Grade: A
Final Grade: A+
Pittsburgh came into the draft with a clear motive: Get bigger, tougher, and faster.
They solved all of that with their first three picks alone, adding a ready-made behemoth with ballerina's feet via Troy Fautanu, a tough-as-nails center in Zach Frazier, and dynamite in a decently-sized package via WR Roman Wilson.
Going on to add three versatile and athletic defenders who were headlined by Payton Wilson, the team got much faster on the defensive side of the ball this draft, and this offseason in general.
Barring any injuries or concerns in that area, GM Omar Khan, Assitant GM Andy Weidl, HC Mike Tomlin and the rest of the Steelers coaching and personnel staff deserve a big pat on the back.
Steelers’ 2024 Day 3 Draft Tracker: All Picks from the final day of the NFL Draft
Following an exhilarating two days and early returns that are netting an optimistic feel from fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team has one more day to add premier talent to the 2024 roster. Armed with three picks (119, 178, 195) Pittsburgh will look to add a potential starter in round four, before some depth […]
