Predicting Steelers Starters After 2024 NFL Draft
Predicting Steelers Starters After 2024 NFL Draft0 of 3
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The Pittsburgh Steelers had a clear directive at the top of the 2024 NFL draft.
Mike Tomlin’s team wanted to improve its offensive line. It did so through the first-round selection of Troy Fautanu.
The Washington product is expected to start on the offensive line right away, likely at the left tackle spot previously occupied by Dan Moore Jr.
The Steelers potentially found their center of the future in second-round pick Zach Frazier as well.
The rest of the Pittsburgh depth chart should remain the same ahead of training camp, but you could argue there’s more work left to do to replace Diontae Johnson at wide receiver.
Offensive Skill Positions1 of 3
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Quarterback: Russell Wilson
Running Back: Najee Harris
Wide Receiver: George Pickens, Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin III
Tight End: Pat Freiermuth
Pittsburgh waited until the third round to draft Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson.
Wilson could play a role in the starting offense if he performs well in training camp, but for now the spots alongside George Pickens belong to Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin III.
The Steelers lack some pass-catching depth, even if Wilson turns into one of the steals of the draft.
Pittsburgh traded away a consistent pass-catcher in Johnson to open up the No. 1 spot for Pickens, who now has a bunch of players with question marks beneath him.
Jefferson dealt with inconsistencies and injuries, Austin has not lived up to his potential in Pittsburgh yet and Wilson is an unproven rookie.
Quez Watkins is a No. 3 wide receiver at best and Cordarelle Patterson will likely be used most on special teams and out of the backfield.
The Steelers do not have to worry about their running back depth with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren in place. Warren may be asked to shoulder more of the pass-catching load if the wide receivers do not live up to expectations.
The same should be said about tight end Pat Freiermuth, who is one of the most reliable targets in the offense for Russell Wilson to work with.
Offensive Line2 of 3
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Left Tackle: Troy Fautanu
Left Guard: Mason McCormick
Center: Zach Frazier
Right Guard: James Daniels
Right Tackle: Broderick Jones
The Steelers could have three rookies start on the offensive line.
Fautanu is the headliner of the draft class because of his first-round status.
The No. 20 overall pick can play at a few spots on the offensive line, but he will likely fit at left tackle for the Steelers.
Frazier, the team’s second-round pick, should slot into the center starting spot left open by Mason Cole’s offseason departure.
Fourth-round pick Mason McCormick has the potential to start at left guard as well. He will be in competition with Isaac Seumalo during training camp.
The reworked offensive line may take a few games to click, but the wait should be worth if for a team that needed an overhaul on the interior.
Defense3 of 3
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Defensive Line: T.J. Watt, Keeanu Benton, Cameron Heyward, Larry Ojungobi
Linebackers: Cole Holcomb, Patrick Queen, Alex Highsmith
Defensive Backs: Donte Jackson, DeShon Elliott, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Joey Porter Jr.
The defensive depth chart should not be changed by the draft selections.
Pittsburgh made three defensive selections. Third-round linebacker Payton Wilson comes into the NFL with injury issues. The other two picks were made late on Day 3.
The upgrades made in free agency, led by Patrick Queen, made it easier for the Steelers to attack their offensive needs at the top of the draft.
The T.J. Watt-led unit may need to be the stars of the team early in the campaign since the offense is expected to go through some growing pains.
A new quarterback and some depth issues at wide receiver may cause the Steelers to win 17-14-type games before everything is figured out.
