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The Pittsburgh Steelers are at a crossroads heading into the 2024 NFL Draft. Looking on the bright side, Mike Tomlin continues to dodge a losing season with the Steelers as they’ve entered the playoffs for the third time in the last four seasons.
However, they haven’t won a postseason game since 2016 and lost their last three playoff matches by double digits. Their 31-17 Wild Card Round loss to the Buffalo Bills highlights their distance from the league’s best teams.
They can narrow the gap by making good with their selections in the 2024 NFL Draft. Balancing their choices between the best player available and their most glaring positional needs can help the Steelers revive their status as legitimate title contenders.
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How many picks do Steelers have in the 2024 NFL Draft?
The Steelers will have seven selections in the 2024 draft. Barring any trades, here’s how their picks will unfold:
- Round 1, Pick 20
- Round 2, Pick 51
- Round 3, Pick 84
- Round 4, Pick 120
- Round 4, Pick 121
- Round 6, Pick 197
- Round 7, Pick 238
The Steelers got consecutive picks in the fourth round due to the trade that sent guard Kevin Dotson to the Los Angeles Rams. They received the Rams’ 2024 fourth-round pick and their 2025 fifth-rounder for Dotson, the Steelers’ 2024 fifth-rounder, and their 2025 sixth-rounder.
Meanwhile, here’s who the Mock Draft Simulator predicted would become Steelers players after the 2024 NFL Draft.
- Round 1, Pick 20: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan Wolverines
- Round 2, Pick 51: Calen Bullock, S, USC Trojans
- Round 3, Pick 84: Matt Goncalves, OT, Pittsburgh Panthers
- Round 4, Pick 120: Caelen Carson, CB, Wake Forest Demon Deacons
- Round 4, Pick 121: Devaughn Vele, WR, Utah Utes
- Round 6, Pick 197: Eli Cox, OC, Kentucky Wildcats
- Round 7, Pick 238: Jerrin Thompson, S, Texas
Entering draft week, however, it appears highly unlikely the Steelers aim for McCarthy, who is projected to land in the top 10. Several QB-needy teams will be eyeing the Michigan champion, especially given that the Bears, Commanders and Patriots are expected to pick QBs in the first three selections.
In any case, if the Steelers instead go with a center like Jackson Powers-Johnson, they can then deepen their offensive line rotation by drafting Goncalves and Cox. Finally, the Steelers upgraded their defensive secondary by selecting Bullock, Carson, and Thomspon during the 2024 NFL Draft.
Pittsburgh Steelers' team needs in 2024
Drafting a quarterback is not a necessity anymore given that Russell Wilson has been projected to be the starter. They also have Justin Fields in the QB room so the Steelers are covered at quarterback at least for a year.
They do, however, need to address the inconsistencies in the offensive line, especially at tackle and center, to unleash Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren.
The Steelers must also find quality defensive backs in the 2024 NFL Draft after surrendering 227.1 passing yards per game, good for 17th in the league. While they have a stellar pass rusher in T.J. Watt, they are susceptible to big plays when the opposing offensive line picks him up. They already found a gem in Joey Porter Jr., but they need more talent in the secondary.
Finally, they could use more depth at wide receiver after George Pickens, especially after trading Diontae Johnson away. Giving their quarterback more targets could make their offense less predictable.
