Steelers Full 7-Round Mock Draft
That's Right… IT'S DRAFT DAY BABY! Draft day can be the day some fans deem a make or break point of the season. Rookies in the NFL are often expected to be stars on day one. And with an offseason like the Steelers had with pickups like Russel Wilson, Justin Fields, Patrick Queen, Van Jefferson, Donte Jackson and Cordarelle Patterson, a solid draft day could land Pittsburgh as a true contender.
Last year we were pretty spot on with our Mock Draft. Nailing one pick completely, and predicting the majority of the picks at position. Through meticulous research, dozens, hell maybe hundreds of practice mock drafts, this is THE go to Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 Mock Draft.
Round 1, P20 - Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Round 1 for the Steelers is between two guys. It really depends who’s available; Graham Barton - Center out of Duke, or Amarius Mims - Offensive Tackle out of Georgia. If both are available Mims is the choice. Standing at 6-foot-8, 340lbs Mims is the clear pick for the hole at Right Tackle. With former Dawgs teammates Broderick Jones and Darnell Washington already on the Steelers, the pressure could come on a bit more softly. The Steelers are known for taking large swings at the offensive line as opposed to sticking with a safe bet like Barton, or even Jackson Power-Johnson. Throughout all of our mocks, Mims is projected to be available 76% of the time.
Round 2, P51 - Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
In my professional opinion, you can almost never go wrong with a Ducks Wide Receiver. Franklin is a solid Day Two draft gem. Already being labeled as a one-dimensional, deep threat, wideout. However, his route running is something to be sought. He defeats press coverage consistently despite his size. A comparable threat is Chris Olave. Having nabbed over 1300 receiving yards, 14 tuddy’s, and eight 100 yard games off of 81 receptions, Franklin can have one of the higher ceilings in the draft, especially out of Day Two WR’s. Franklin is projected to be available at this point in the draft 69% of the time (nice).
*TRADE* - Round 2, P58 - Max Melton, CB, Rutgers
This trade isn’t necessary for the Steelers but it would go a long way in building the future. Trading with the Green Bay Packers, the Steelers would Send their 84th pick in 2024, as well as their 3rd and 5th round pick of 2025 to Green Bay for their 58th, 126th, and 169th pick in this year’s draft. Doing so allows them to spring up for a slightly better Cornerback like Max Melton or even Kamari Lassiter. As much as I think Pittsburgh would benefit more from Lassiter being picked up here, Melton has a higher percent chance of being available at this point (47% as opposed to Lassiter’s 35%). Melton would provide competition to the CB room of Joey Porter Jr. and newcomer Donte Jackson. Especially since JPJ and Jackson are accustomed to playing outside corner, he is more comfortable at inside slot and press coverages.
Round 3, P98 - Cedric Gray, LB, North Carolina
The Steelers remaining 3rd-round pick heads to their bread and butter, Linebacker. Outside of Devin Bush, the Steelers traditionally find studs at this position. Cedric Gray will be no exception. A three year starter for UNC, in a stretch of years UNC actually competed on the gridiron. For his size, he has solid speed, often being paired against Running Backs on out routes, or Tight Ends, it was consistent tight coverage.Often in Man or Zone, he was primarily used for pass coverage. Knabbing only 8 sacks in 3 years as a starter. But 5 interceptions. Gray is just what Pittsburgh needs in terms of middle of the field, short to mid pass defense. Overall Green is available 62% of the time at pick number 98.
Round 4, P119 - Renardo Green, CB, Florida State
I know what you're thinking, three straight defensive picks, and two corners? Yes, the Steelers need solid Corners. Renardo Creen out of FSU is a solid pick at 5-foot-11. Proven ability in press, and both inside and outside coverages. With Melton and Green competing with JPJ, Jackson, and a few others yet to be proven. This may be the best CB room following the draft. It also may be the most fun to watch competitively before the season starts. Green sits at a 57% chance at falling to the Steelers here.
Round 4, P126 - Luke McCaffrey, WR, Rice
The 2023 Steelers draft saw no Wide Receivers. Which is half the reason they need to trade for an additional pick. Sending off Diontae Johnson, their arguable number 1 receiver, this is the reason the Steelers pick up two in this year's draft. Providing ample competition from solid wideouts will generate only good things for the offense with new QB’s like Wilson and Fields. Luke was originally a QB himself, which could give him an advantage at route running, and understanding the mind of a QB. His final two seasons at Rutgers he recorded 128 receptions, over 1700 yards, and 18 tuddy’s. Luke ran a 4.46 at the combine, and he is still available 72% of the time at pick 126.
Round 5, P169 - Beau Brade, S, Maryland
Beau Brade out of Maryland, is a 6-foot, 195-pound safety who is not afraid to go from sideline to sideline. This isn’t a starter pick. But it's a safe pick. A solid backup in year one. Allow Brade to get some reps, including on special teams, and he could easily be a Year Two starter. Brade tallied 177 tackles, and just 3 picks over his full 4 years at Maryland. Brade is the third safest pick on this mock for Pittsburgh at 65% availability.
Round 6, P178 - Hunter Nourzad, C, Penn State
Up to this point in the draft virtually every hole on the Steelers has been filled. Just one remains, Center. Nourzad provides that filler. This is by far the longest shot in this mock draft. Hitting at just 28% of the time. Nourzad is 24, but provides a solid frame at 6-foot-3 and 317-pounds, he played 6 years in college. Which I believe will cause him to drop significantly in this year's class. Having been hosted by the Steelers for one of their 30 visits, the Steelers tend to draft their visits. Hitting on their first four picks last year. Nouzard this low may be a miss, but I would be surprised if Pittsburgh doesnt scoop him earlier either.
Round 6, P195 - Marcus Harris, DT, Auburn
For the Steelers final pick, Marcus Harris will bring some much needed green-ness to their Defensive Line. Weighting in at 286-pounds he has shorter arms compared to most D-Tackles in this class. But has explosiveness and great reaction times during snaps. In 2023 he played 12 games, totaling 40 tackles including 7 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery. He was only rated a 5.91 out of 10 at the combine in his class, which may transcend into the NFL. He would be a nice backup in the late rounds to add to the defense, especially under some of the veterans. All-in-all, he falls to this pick 53% of the time in our mocks.
Conclusion
This mock draft is poised to bring Pittsburgh to a contender position. With only two picks in this draft falling below the 50% availability, this class should produce a solid outcome. We will see this evening how well we can fill the holes on Day One of the NFL Draft. Will the Steelers pick an O-lineman? Will they trade up on day two? Who knows. Here to the first sign of NFL Football!
