Forecasting the 2024 NFL Draft for the Pittsburgh Steelers post-quarterback reorganization…
Let’s construct a hypothetical scenario for the 2024 NFL Draft tailored to the Pittsburgh Steelers following their recent adjustments in the quarterback department.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are still grappling with the absence of a definitive long-term solution at quarterback on their roster. Despite the acquisition of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, an improvement from last season, their quarterback contingent remains among the lower tier in the NFL.
Looking forward, it’s imperative for the Steelers to secure a quarterback during the 2024 NFL Draft. This move could place the chosen quarterback in an advantageous position, likely entering the off-season as the third-string quarterback with minimal immediate pressure for development. This strategic approach could offer a promising long-term strategy for Steelers’ GM Omar Khan, especially considering the economical acquisition of Wilson and Fields for a mere $1.2 million and a sixth-round pick.
In this speculative 2024 NFL Mock Draft, will the Pittsburgh Steelers address all their positional needs?
27th Overall Pick (via ARI) – Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Opting to trade down with the Arizona Cardinals, the Pittsburgh Steelers select Kool-Aid McKinstry towards the end of the first round, providing much-needed reinforcement to their secondary. Despite the addition of Donte Jackson in exchange for Diontae Johnson, Jackson’s proficiency is questionable, and he shouldn’t be relied upon as a starting cornerback. Prioritizing the cornerback position early in the 2024 NFL Draft seems prudent, although fortifying the offensive line could have been another viable option.
51st Overall Pick – Zach Frazier, OC, West Virginia
Hailing from West Virginia, Zach Frazier’s close proximity to Pittsburgh makes him an appealing choice for the Steelers. This selection would be a significant boon for the team, particularly after parting ways with Mason Cole, their former starting center. Currently, the Steelers’ depth chart features Ryan McCollum as the starting center, a relatively obscure figure even to avid NFL enthusiasts. Frazier’s addition would address the pressing need for talent along the offensive line, especially considering the propensity of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields to face sacks.
84th Overall Pick – Devontez Walker, WR, North Carolina
Introducing another wide receiver into the mix seems imperative, given the Steelers’ current pass-catching options. George Pickens, Calvin Austin III, and Van Jefferson constitute the top receivers, yet the addition of Devontez Walker, as described by Ian Cummings of Pro Football Network, offers a tantalizing blend of size and speed. The Steelers, renowned for their adeptness in drafting and nurturing wide receivers, would undoubtedly welcome the opportunity to cultivate Walker’s potential.
90th Overall Pick (via ARI) – Spencer Rattler, QB, South Carolina
In a final flourish to their off-season quarterback strategy, Steelers GM Omar Khan opts for a mid-round gamble by selecting Spencer Rattler from South Carolina. Rattler, experiencing a gradual ascent in the NFL Draft projections, would benefit from a period of adjustment before assuming a prominent role with the Steelers. Despite a regression in his 2021 season at Oklahoma, Rattler’s past promise positions him as a compelling prospect for the Steelers’ quarterback succession plan.
98th Overall Pick – DeWayne Carter, DT, Duke
As Cameron Heyward approaches the twilight of his career, fortifying the defensive line with DeWayne Carter from Duke emerges as a prudent move for the Steelers. Given the emphasis on trench dominance in the NFL, bolstering the defensive line remains a priority, and Carter’s inclusion adds depth and talent to the roster.
119th Overall Pick – Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State
Continuing the trend of infusing youthful talent into the secondary, Omar Khan selects Jaden Hicks, a safety from Washington State. Hicks’ notable attributes include his impressive height and his demonstrated prowess in tackling, traits that align with the Steelers’ defensive ethos.
178th Overall Pick – Javion Cohen, OG, Miami (FL)
Similar to the defensive line, investing in talented offensive linemen remains a strategic imperative for the Steelers. Although late-round selections may primarily serve as developmental prospects, bolstering the offensive line with players like Javion Cohen from Miami (FL) enhances roster depth and competition.
195th Overall Pick – Caedan Wallace, OT, Penn State
While ideally securing a tackle prospect earlier in the draft would have been preferable, the Steelers seize the opportunity to select Caedan Wallace from Penn State in the later rounds. While the team may explore temporary solutions in the free-agent market, Wallace’s selection offers a developmental prospect for future offensive line depth.”
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