By Mark Kaboly and Mike DeFabo
Apr 27, 2024
The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2024 NFL Draft with seven picks over the three-day event, including four in the top 100.
The Steelers opened the draft by bolstering their offensive line with Washington’s Troy Fautanu, who started at left tackle for the Huskies but is seen by some as having five-position flexibility. They continued the run up front by plugging a big hole at center with West Virginia’s Zach Frazier, who grew up in the Steelers’ backyard.
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In Round 3, Pittsburgh addressed more needs, adding Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson — who will help replace traded wide receiver Diontae Johnson — and NC State linebacker Payton Wilson.
The Steelers went back to the offensive line in Round 4, grabbing South Dakota State interior lineman Mason McCormick.
Early in Round 6, Pittsburgh added depth along the defensive line with Iowa’s Logan Lee. With their final pick, also in the sixth round, the Steelers grabbed Texas’ Ryan Watts III, who played cornerback for the Longhorns but might project at safety in Pittsburgh.
NFL Draft 2024 tracker: Live blog, pick-by-pick grades and analysis
Big board best available: Who’s left from Dane Brugler’s Top 300?
Draft pick grades: Day 2 | Day 1
Full draft order: Team picks for all 257 selections
“The Athletic Football Show”: Watch live reaction to the draft
Round 1
No. 20: Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
How he fits
One of the most versatile players in this draft, Fautanu is a bit of an oddly shaped offensive lineman — in a good way. At 6-foot-3, 317, Fautanu plays low to the ground but also has great length with 34 1/2-inch arms. A left tackle at Washington, Fautanu is one of the most athletic offensive linemen in the class and a possible five-position prospect who could absolutely play guard or tackle — and possibly even center.
The Steelers need help in the middle of their offensive line. It wouldn’t be a shock if he gets a shot inside at center. If that doesn’t work out, he could play opposite Broderick Jones or inside at guard. This is a great draft pick and outstanding value at No. 20. — Nick Baumgardner
Dane Brugler’s analysis
Fautanu is explosive on the move and at contact with the foot quickness, body control and temperament to stack wins in both pass protection and as a run blocker in the NFL. Though he has the talent to remain at tackle, his skill set also projects well to guard and center, and he offers legitimate five-position potential at the next level.
Grade: A
Mike DeFabo’s analysis:Why the Steelers drafted Fautanu
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Round 2
No. 51: Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia
How he fits
If there was anyone built to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers, it’s West Virginia center Zach Frazier. This is a perfect match, and it could be one for a long time. One of the most consistent offensive linemen entering the draft, Frazier started 46 games, including 38 at center, for the Mountaineers. Frazier (6-2 1/2, 313) was a four-time high school heavyweight wrestling champion and a second-team All-American center last fall. —Scott Dochterman
Dane Brugler’s analysis
Frazier might not boast elite athleticism or length, but he is good enough in those areas and will win over NFL teams with his core strength, football IQ, competitive toughness and understanding of leverage. He projects as a quality NFL starting center the moment he is drafted.
Grade: A
Mark Kaboly’s analysis: Why the Steelers drafted Frazier
Round 3
No. 84: Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan
How he fits
One of the most reliable senior receivers in the class, Wilson’s sudden explosion and speed at the line of scrimmage is a difference-maker — and his route running and catch consistency only got better with every week at Michigan. A big-time competitor who will block his butt off, this is not only great value in the third round but also a perfect fit for what the franchise wants to do moving forward. — Baumgardner
Dane Brugler’s analysis
Wilson is a speedy slot with the hands and competitive makeup to pester defenses and consistently move the sticks. He has the talent to win a starting role for an NFL offense.
Grade: A
Mark Kaboly’s analysis: Why the Steelers drafted Wilson
No. 98 (compensatory, from Eagles): Payton Wilson, ILB, NC State
How he fits
A tackling machine with sideline-to-sideline speed (he ran a 4.43 40), Wilson made 402 tackles in his career and is one of the fastest and most instinctive ‘backers in this class. There are major injury concerns. In fact, NFL Network reported Friday that one of Wilson’s knees does not have an ACL. He might not make it beyond his first contract (he’s also already 24), but Wilson (when healthy) is ready to play right now.— Baumgardner
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Dane Brugler’s analysis
Wilson’s medicals will be a key factor in his final grade, but he is a rangy and instinctive player who impacts the game in different ways, because of his effort and toughness. His four-down potential will separate him from most linebacker prospects.
Grade: B
Mark Kaboly’s analysis: Why the Steelers drafted Wilson
Round 4
No. 119: Mason McCormick, G/C, South Dakota State
Dane Brugler’s analysis
McCormick doesn’t consistently play up to his testing numbers, but he has good eyes and feet in pass protection and outstanding physicality in the run game. He projects as a Day 1 backup (at all three interior line positions) who can become a starter with more coaching.
Round 5
No picks
Round 6
No. 178 (from Cardinals): Logan Lee, DL, Iowa
Dane Brugler’s analysis
Lee is a good-looking athlete with a worker-bee attitude, although his frame and skill set might find him caught in between positions at the next level, limiting his NFL ceiling. He projects best as a reserve base end or three-technique in a four-man line.
No. 195: Ryan Watts III, DB, Texas
Dane Brugler’s analysis
A cornerback in college, Watts has elite size and an outstanding athletic profile, but undisciplined tendencies in his coverage likely will push him to safety in the NFL (he saw safety reps during East-West Shrine Bowl practices). His special-teams potential could help keep him on an NFL roster during his likely position change.
Round 7
No picks
(Photo of Troy Fautanu: Steph Chambers / Getty Images)
