2024 NFL Draft Grades: Pittsburgh Steelers

Day 1 grade: A
Day 2 grade: A
Day 3 grade: B+

Analysis: It was just another value-filled draft for Pittsburgh. It was likely the Steelers would take offensive linemen on Day 1 or 2, and they found good value in Fautanu and Frazier. Both Wilsons selected on Day 2 were also fantastic finds and should make impacts in 2024 and beyond.

The Steelers went O-line again on Day 3, getting McCormick at least a round later than I placed his value because of his toughness and athleticism. Lee is a nice sixth-round pick who will excel at 5-technique due to his strength and motor. Watts will get a chance to use his physicality in the secondary, though the team could have used an earlier pick at cornerback instead of picking three offensive linemen.

Top needs entering the draft: Center, wide receiver, offensive tackle

The Steelers have had a fascinating offseason, acquiring quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields while giving a big free agent deal to linebacker Patrick Queen. They parted ways with several significant contributors, including quarterback Kenny Pickett, wide receiver Diontae Johnson, cornerback Patrick Peterson and center Mason Cole. They have a talented roster, but their offense was dreadful last season, averaging 16.9 points per game, which ranked 28th in the league. Could they find an O-lineman on Day 1 who could help them close the gap in the AFC North?

The answer is yes, unequivocally. Troy Fautanu (20) to Pittsburgh is one of my favorite picks in this draft. While I ranked him as my No. 1 guard, he played left tackle at Washington, and some front office execs thought he'd stick there. I just think he's a tenacious blocker with the potential to be an All-Pro. Based on Pittsburgh's depth chart, I see him starting on the left side.

GM Omar Khan went back to the O-line with two of his next four selections, taking Zach Frazier (51), my second-ranked center, and Mason McCormick (119), my sixth-ranked guard. That's at least two new starters for the Steelers' line. Sandwiched between those were two picks that were values on my board. Wideout Roman Wilson (84) had 12 touchdowns last season, and his stock was boosted after he ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the combine. Payton Wilson (98) dropped due to some medical concerns, but he's a speedy off-ball linebacker with range. Cornerback Ryan Watts (195) isn't speedy, but he can make this roster.

It's not easy for me to praise the Steelers, but this is a stellar class with good players throughout.

THE STEELERS SEEMED TO HAVE ONE MAIN GOAL IN MIND FOR THIS DRAFT: BUILD OUT THE SUPPORT SYSTEM AROUND QUARTERBACK RUSSELL WILSON. Pittsburgh focused principally on the offensive line, grabbing a versatile and tough offensive tackle in Troy Fautanu in the first round. The Washington standout is a plug-and-play starter at left tackle but could fill in at any of the five offensive line spots in a pinch. In the second round, Pittsburgh grabbed a feisty, mauling lineman in Zach Frazier, giving the team another day-one starter at center. Add in fourth-round guard Mason McCormick, who has the talent to compete for a starting job right away, and the Steelers have the makings of a brand-new offensive line—which could dramatically boost the performance of Wilson (or Justin Fields, if he ends up starting). I also liked the Roman Wilson pick in the third round. The former Michigan receiver is electric with the ball in his hands and proved to be a reliable option on money downs and in the red zone. He's a great complement to George Pickens and can line up both outside and in the slot.

After HC Mike Tomlin and GM Omar Khan upgraded their quarterback options via Groupon during free agency, the team proceeded to conduct what looks like a monster rookie haul. Top picks Troy Fautanu (Round 1, Washington) and Zach Frazier (Round 2, West Virginia) — along with 2023 first-rounder Broderick Jones — should immediately remediate an offensive line that will be expected to refuel the run game new OC Arthur Smith will doubtless lean on. "We just want to roll people," Tomlin said Saturday on NFL Network.

Third-round WR Roman Wilson (Michigan) is a home run hitter who could immediately compete for the starting job opposite George Pickens. But the lottery pick could be Round 3 LB Payton Wilson (North Carolina State), who has first-round talent if a 12th-round medical history. But he could be a dynamically impactful X-factor next to free agent addition Patrick Queen.

If these picks hit, the Steelers' offensive line could be something special. Last year's first-round pick, Broderick Jones, is already showing promise. Pittsburgh has now added two likely starters in Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier. Fautanu was seen by many as a top-10 prospect, and he fell to the Steelers at 20th overall. It was a similar story for Frazier, whom many rated as a top 40 guy, but fell to No. 51. Throw in fourth-round pick Mason McCormick, and things are looking as good as they have up front in a long time. If that wasn't good enough, the Steelers found themselves a versatile slot receiver in Roman Wilson, who should be ready to contribute right away. If he can stay healthy, it's also a good guess that Payton Wilson's high motor and toughness will make him a fan favorite in Pittsburgh. Those are just bonuses, though. If the Steelers have finally fixed their offensive line, this entire class will have been worth it. —Helman

Best Pick: I love the pick of third-round linebacker Payton Wilson. He might have some medical issues, but the Steelers fans will come to love him and his style of play. He will start early.

Worst Pick: Taking center Zach Frazier in the second round is a need pick, but I wasn't as high on him as some others. But who am I to question the Steelers when it comes to the center position?

The Skinny: They took a lot of quality players, including three offensive linemen in their first five picks. It started with tackle Troy Fautanu in the first and then got Frazier in the second and guard Mason McCormick in the fourth. Wilson and third-round receiver Roman Wilson will play early.

Analysis: Outside of some pass-rush depth, which wasn't a big need, the Steelers destroyed this draft with GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin. That builds on an amazing offseason when they got Russell Wilson and Justin Fields as QB options for almost nothing. Fautanu and Frazier will start and star right away with 2023 first-round Broderick Jones moving to left tackle. Roman Wilson is the ideal playmaker to pair with George Pickens. It's also not fair Payton Wilson will roam a second level and make plays right with Patrick Queen.

Analysis: This feels like a class the Steelers will look back on as a foundational group for future success. Pittsburgh showed why it's one of the league's bedrock organizations, finding substance over flash. The Steelers added a pair of versatile, talented linemen in Fautanu and Frazier, then found value in the Wilson duo. For Pittsburgh, it might walk away with four immediate starters from this group.

Last year, the Steelers selected Joey Porter Jr. in the second round and Cory Trice Jr. in the seventh round because Mike Tomlin wanted more cornerbacks who could play aggressive press coverage. This season, Tomlin and his staff clearly are interested in not only filling out the offensive line with talent, but talent with violent intentions on the field. Troy Fautanu might be the most complete tackle in this class, and if his measurables were more in line with the NFL's preferences, he certainly would have been a Top 10 pick. Then, the Steelers doubled down with Zach Frazier, a glass-eating force of nature who will redefine the interior of that formerly broken line. Add in Mason McCormick from South Dakota State and his ability to pull and bull defenders right off the screen — not to mention last year's first-round pick Broderick Jones — and the Steelers' offensive line could be one of the NFL's dominant surprises this season.

Payton Wilson gives the defense the potential of the most aware and versatile linebacker since Ryan Shazier retired. The only reason he lasted this long was that his medicals are not great at all. Factor in Roman Wilson as a dynamic target from all over the formation, and it's easy to imagine Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan doing cartwheels right now.