Mason Rudolph (2) of the Pittsburgh Steelers passes during a preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. - Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
The 2023-24 NFL football season is officially over and it’s time to focus our attention on free agency and the NFL Draft. The Pittsburgh Steelers played inconsistent football for most of the season and their record stood at 7-7 with three games remaining. But they stepped it up, winning their final three regular season games to earn a playoff berth.
The turnaround was led by the steady leadership of third string quarterback Mason Rudolph and a rejuvenated running game. The defense also made several key stops down the stretch to preserve these crucial games. But unfortunately, their season came to end with a 31-17 road loss to the Buffalo Bills in an AFC Wild Card Game.
Despite their 10-7 record, the Steelers have several positions that need upgrading on both sides of the ball. There will need to be some key free agent acquisitions, but the bulk of their restock will have to come through the NFL Draft.
Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 NFL Draft Picks
Round 1: No. 20 Overall
Round 2: No. 51 Overall
Round 3: No. 84 Overall
Round 4: No. 119 Overall (From Rams)
Round 4: No. 120 Overall
Round 6: No. 196 Overall
Round 7: No. 237 Overall
Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 NFL Draft Needs
As I said, the Pittsburgh Steelers have very specific needs as they enter free agency and prepare for the daft. This mock draft was executed based on information from the team’s front office that they expect Kenny Pickett to be their starting quarterback for the 2024 season.
But some of the players seem to disagree with management and are rooting for Rudolph to win the job. If they resign Rudolph, watch as this controversy plays out in training camp.
Center Mason Cole has been a disappointment since he entered the starting lineup two years ago. His inconsistent snaps, and poor pass blocking have become intolerable.
The Steelers are also in desperate need of a left tackle on offense. They may move Broderick Jones over to that side in which case they will be in search of a right tackle. Pittsburgh hit the jackpot last season when they drafted Joey Porter Jr. to play cornerback. But they have several of players at this position who are free agents, and they can’t rely on the aging Patrick Peterson forever.
Steelers Defensive Needs
Cameron Heyward has been a rock in the middle of the Steelers’ defensive line since he moved into the starting lineup in 2013. But the newly minted NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year recipient is not getting any younger and his replacement must be found.
Elandon Roberts had an impressive 2023 as one of the Steelers inside linebackers. But teammates Kwon Alexander and Cole Holcomb both had injury plagued seasons and the team’s brass feel like they are thin at this position. Pittsburgh would also like to add talent to the safety, wide receiver, and edge positions.
Mock Draft
Round 2 Pick No. 33 Overall: Tyler Guyton-OT, Oklahoma (From Trade with Panthers)
Round 2 Pick No. 51 Overall: Edgerrin Cooper-LB, Texas A&M
Round 3 Pick No. 65 Overall: D.J. James-CB, Auburn (From Trade with Panthers)
Round 3 Pick No. 84 Overall: Ruke Orhorhoro-DT, Clemson
Round 4 Pick No. 101 Overall: Austin Booker-Edge, Kansas (From Trade with Panthers)
Round 4 Pick No. 119 Overall: Ricky Pearsall-WR, Florida
Round 4 Pick No. 120 Overall: Christian Mahogany-OG/OC, Boston College
Round 6 Pick No. 196 Overall: Patrick McMorris-S, California
Mock Draft Analysis
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin would be all smiles if his draft flushed out similar to my mock draft. They fulfilled their need at the center position by drafting the versatile and aggressive Christian Mahogany out of Boston College. And from Oklahoma, they picked up their franchise left tackle, Tyler Guyton.
On defense, they were extremely fortunate to acquire Auburn’s D.J. James to play cornerback. Ruke Orhorhoro from Clemson is a worthy heir apparent at nose tackle to Heyward. He is a true run stuffer who also can wreak havoc on the pass rush. And linebacker Edgerrin Cooper should strike immediate fear in all running backs who try to cross his path. Also, opposing quarterbacks are not off the hook as he is also an explosive pass rusher.
Finally, the Steelers were able to restock the safety, wide receiver, and edge positions with this draft. In particular, Jayhawk edge Austin Booker is raw, but has advanced technical skills for someone at his experience level.
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