REPORT: Pittsburgh Steelers Have Decided What Position They Want To Draft In 1st Round
Pittsburgh Steelers, Brandon Aiyuk San Francisco 49ers
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin enters the field before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
The Pittsburgh Steelers have made important improvements to their passing game during the 2024 offseason. That trend is expected to continue in the draft’s first round, but maybe not in the way most fans hope for.
The Pittsburgh Steelers added help at quarterback this offseason
Justin Fields Russell Wilson Pittsburgh Steelers
Oct 1, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1), right, meets with Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) at midfield after their game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
The Steelers traded away Kenny Pickett and let Mason Rudolph and Mitch Trubisky sign with new teams. They signed veteran Russell Wilson and traded with the Chicago Bears for Justin Fields. With the quarterback room overhauled, most fans want help at wide receiver to replace Diontae Johnson following his trade to the Carolina Panthers.
The Pittsburgh Steelers want OL help
USATSI 22306192 168400517 lowres
Jan 15, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin looks on in the second half against the Buffalo Bills in a 2024 AFC wild card game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Per Matt Miller with ESPN, the Steelers are looking to take care of Wilson and Fields by protecting them upfront with the No. 20 pick:
“What are the Steelers thinking in Round 1? “I can’t tell you the player, but I can tell you it’ll be an offensive lineman,” said one team source. There has been buzz about Pittsburgh adding a wide receiver at No. 20, but the feeling I got in making calls to teams this week is that the Steelers believe they’re an elite team at drafting receiver talent outside the top 32 picks, and history backs that up.
So someone like Georgia’s Amarius Mims or Oklahoma’s Tyler Guyton might make sense here. Either right tackle prospect would allow last year’s first-rounder Broderick Jones to move to his more natural position after a strong rookie season on the right side”
The Steelers have other options for WRs
USATSI 22860666 168400517 lowres
Mar 20, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin watches at the Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility during the University of Alabama’s Pro Day.
Pro Football Focus ranked The Steelers 31st in pass blocking last season. The team needed to overhaul their offensive line to help in the run-and-pass game.
Ezoic
Most scouts think the draft is top-heavy at offensive tackle and relatively stacked at wide receiver. The Steelers should address their needs on the offensive line early and then take a pass catcher in a later round.
Ezoic
Of course, the Steelers could always trade for help at wide receiver around the draft.
